As I’ve mentioned previously, I’m finding the 2008 Presidential election very exciting.
I think this election would be one of those crucial turning points in
American and global history. However, I’m still undecided. Yes, I’ve already made up my mind on voting for Democrats. But who to choose in the primary is still an open question for me.
My first choice was Kucinich.
But the reality is that the Democratic race is now down to three
candidates. My gut feeling on who’s gonna win (way back before the
primary) was Clinton. But I do like Obama for his charismatic
personality, eloquence, and projected leadership. On the other hand, Steve Kirsch’s recommendation for Edwards makes a very compelling case on the issue of policies and "leadership." So I’m still torn three-ways.
Serendipitously, I’ve just read Mark Goulston‘s post on Fast Company Expert Blogs, Why I switched to Hillary Clinton. Here’s a quote:
"I ran into Chelsea Clinton today (1/12) at the Farmer’s Market at Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade.
"In a sweet, sincere voice she said, “I hope you’ll support my mom.”
I had been undecided between her mom, Barack Obama and John Edwards. To
be honest I was leaning away from her mom toward the other candidates,
but in a few moments of looking into Chelsea’s earnest eyes, it became
clear to me why I have now switched to Hillary for President. It was
the same earnestness I sensed in Hillary in New Hampshire." ….
"As much as I appreciate Obama’s freshness, newness and passion, I am
not eager to put a President in the driver’s seat, who needs to get up
to speed to do what’s best for this country. I also know first hand how
much experience has helped me develop judgment in my professional and
personal life and that there is no substitute for it. I think the best
ticket — if egos could be put aside and replaced with collaboration to
do what’s best for this country — would be Clinton-Obama ’08 and ’12
(where Barack can learn all he doesn’t know now to prepare him for the
presidency) and then Obama-someone he can mentor ’16."
Unfortunately, I don’t have the opportunity to be swayed by Chelsea
Clinton’s sweet sincere voice and beaming earnest eyes. But I could see why Clinton’s experience
in politics would make for a strong case for choosing her over Obama and
Edwards. Another good reason for choosing Clinton is that, of all the presidential candidates, she’s the only one (that I know of) who had pledged to reinstate the role of the "First Scientist" in its rightful place.
Now that is a big point for me. Science (and important scientific
issues) seem to have taken a back seat in this election. At least
Clinton has the decency to pledge on it.
Hmm… really tough call.
However, although I’m still undecided. I agree with Goulston’s opinion.
"With regard to the Republicans, I am inclined to select a Democrat,
because I think since 9/11 and the Internet, America is sorely in need
of a paradigm shift and to look at the world through vastly different
eyes. Regardless how many of the Republican candidates may want to
distance themselves from the present administration, none of them will
be able to look at the world with sufficiently different eyes to see
the world anew so that America can become who and what it needs to
become to restore its luster in the world community."
Exactly!
What about you? Have you made up your mind yet? Who’s your candidate in the 2008 Presidential election? Why?
Comments (4)
C-
Like you, I’m still undecided, except that I will support a democrat in November. I like the “idea” of Obama being president. He’s charismatic, has an inspiring, hopeful message, and his background makes him a perfect symbol for “unity in diversity.” However, his speeches tend to be full of inspiration but relatively empty in regards to specific issues and plans.
Based on the speeches, I like Edwards best. He’s very clear about where he stands and what he plans to do as president.
I don’t know about Clinton. She is very strong in the debates and knows how to work a crowd. But her campaign has been punctuated with slimy little incidents (push polling in Iowa; staffers making slanderous comments, then being fired) that give me pause. Also, she is the most polarizing of the democratic candidates, in that — like Bush — people tend to love her or hate her. With the division of red states and blue states being what it is, I don’t like the idea of another polarizing persona in the White House.
On the Republican side, aside from McCain, the candidates seem very weak. I was embarrassed for the lot of them when I watched the CNN/YouTube debates. This Huckabee parody says it all.
good point on the polarizing issue. so how about a Clinton-Obama ticket? would that do it for you?
~C
Clinton-Obama?
I think I’d prefer Obama-Clinton, at this point anyway.
Maybe Edwards can be a cabinet member, along with Kucinich.
I would vote for Bush again, if only he could run.
Why?
Well I think the culture of the US is some kind of hideous drug, and the addict has yet to hit bottom.
Another 4 years of it, I say.
To that end, the best Republican candidate would be Bill Clinton, definitely, or, his wife, I guess.
I still think that having two names for the same political party is unnecessary. But whatever.
Oh, and by the way, your review of Dawkins was interesting. But that does nothing to change the fact that his whole narrative is a relentless snore.
None of this matters, luckily, since the world is going to end in 4 years anyway. Good riddance to bad rubbish!
For you naysayers who will laugh your way into 2013, claiming that nothing changed, and the world is still going-
NEWSFLASH ASSHOLES: anything after 2012 that even remotely resembles the current situation will merely be the matrix-like VR created by the self-transforming machine elves from the “future” that You special-ordered fresh from the factory.
Have fun kids.
As for me, I have placed a different order.
You superstitious people probably still believe in childish fairytales like the existence of “atoms” and “planets” and “space”, too. How medieval.
Have you ever actually Seen any of these thing with your own eyes??
Bwa ha Haaa Haaaaa!
Now There`s a narrative!
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