Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

McCain or Obama? :confused:

Who even knows? :rolleyes:

I don’t, that’s for sure! :ahh:

I’m sure there are a lot of people out there that don’t know, and that’s perfectly fine. But, instead of voting for McCain or Obama, why can’t we undecided FIRSTers elect one of our own?? How about a Kamen/Flowers campaign? Surely they would win! When election day comes this November, I am going to put down Dean Kamen for president and Woodie Flowers for vice president. If we get enough people, surely we can affect this election! So I ask you, as a nation of FIRST participants and supporters, to elect Dean Kamen and Woodie Flowers to the White House!

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

Wow...I never thought of this haha

that seems like a pretty decent idea. i keep wanting to get to know the 2 candidates, and politics in general haha. i never understood politics!

i'm sure if enough people on here were unsure of their vote, dean and woodie would make an impact. i dont think they could win, but can't we at least beat like Ralph Nader or someone? lol

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

Because Dean and Woodie aren't busy enough already :]

Seriously though, I'd encourage everyone to take the time and find a realistic candidate that can do some good for this country.

Obama has my vote. Especially if Evan Bayh joins as his VP.

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

Or, lets program a president. That way at least his flip flops will be pseudo random :)

Quick word of warning, CD rules say that any political material may not be placed in your signature. Right now this seems like nothing more than a satirical take on the election which is fine. If there is any discussion of the actual candidates please keep it friendly and a discussion, not a debate.

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

There are more than just two candidates that you can look for without resorting to silliness like voting for Dean Kamen or Alfred E. Neuman.

The additional parties from the last election who put forth legitimate candidates that received more than 10000 votes (in order of votes received) included Libertarian, Constitution, Green, Peace and Freedom, Socialist, and Socialist Workers. There are also independent candidates, and smaller parties.

These parties and more have candidates in the upcoming election as well. Each one of these parties also has clear, detailed information about their platforms and policies.

The point is, there are many candidates that actually do want people voting for them, so find a party or person you can truly believe in and vote for that.

~Phil

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

YES! Dean & Woodie `08 :D

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

Okay then, I won't put anything in my signature, just in the main body of this message.

Obama is too Socialist for my tastes. If you want to find "a realistic candidate that can do some good for this country" either VOTE FOR DEAN! or vote McCain. Enough said.

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

I know, just keep in mind that people can have different opinions and you have to respect them. I wasn't saying anything bad about this thread or saying not to discuss it. Just mentioning that you must be careful how you discuss it. Politics and religion tend to fire people up.

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

I know, but you said nothing in your signature. I don't even have a signature.

I think you meant in the body of the message.


KAMEN FOR PRESIDENT!

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

I think I'll vote for your hat :)

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

Signature or body of the message .. if it gets out of hand, the thread will be closed.

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

The most important thing that you, young and old voters, need to do is look at the candidates platform and decide if the candidate represents your views. Please vote based on REAL issues, such as their energy, immigration, education, economic, welfare, foreign, scientific, defense and domestic policies.

Be informed and do your homework.

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

If you write down who you want as president it will be disregarded no matter what. Secondly, any one that is "into politics" wouldn't vote for Dean and Woodie because they haven't done anything "political". They are great men who have done great things, but there is a reason that they didnt go to school to get a political science degree. Both McCain and Obama have websites where you can find there platform along with many other things. I'm pretty sure they each have their own youtube accounts as well. Personally, I like McCain, but everyone should become involved and make their own decission.

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

Personally, I know which candidate I want to win, but realistically, I live in NY and practically no matter what, Obama will win NY. The democratic candidate will win in NY, so in reality, if I vote for Kamen, Obama, or McCain, it won't matter at all. (Though I have decided already which of McCain or Obama I will vote for).

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

Just an extra special word to all of you who will be 18 or older this election year - especially if it is your first chance to vote in an election.

Register to vote. Then go vote. I know it's easy to say "My vote does not make a difference" or, "my state will go one way no matter what I choose". However, using that sort of logic diminishes the right to vote of every person you know of that age - including your parents, your siblings, your teachers, your mentors, your friends...believe in the difference you make by marking a ballot.

For those of you who do not live in the same state / location year-around, absentee voting deadlines often come extremely early. You must generally register to vote, and then request an absentee ballot (at least in Indiana). I recall that our registration deadline is October and absentee is somewhere soon after. This is often a valid decision if you want more say in the representatives from the are you are from, not just the state you work in for a while or attend school in.

Keep it peachy please!
Eugenia

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

If studying platfoms comes first then I have a 2-part recommendation for what comes zero-th (because I distrust platforms and the processes that create them, and I believe actions speak louder than words).

0.a) Notice what powers are granted to the president/executive by the constitution (and give a little weight to the "bully pulpit" influence presidents exert over other parts of the government), and then ignore any claims candidates make about how they will accomplish objectives that simply are not within their power.

0.b) Look at the candidates' parties' platforms from several recent campaigns, and count how many of their planks actualy were accomplished and yielded the intended or promised net results.

Then carry out some of the other suggestions found in this thread.

Me - I personally like this approach to politics - "Any man who is under 30 and is not a Liberal has no heart; and any man who is over 30 and not a Conservative has no brains." ;)

Quite obviously, healthy bodies need both hearts and brains.

Blake

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

I really liked both candidates before they started running for presidental office. I guess it's going to come down to who they pick as running mates. I'm excited because this will be my first presidental election that I can vote in

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

If this is the first election you will take part in and you wish to vote absentee, there may be additional requirements than normal. That's to help guard against fraud.

Whatever the requirements are, you usually have to complete voting so that your ballot can be received back in your home district by election day. Plan ahead.

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

I absolutely refuse to elect either to any positions.

There's a difference between being able to run an organization, company, or whatever, and being a political figure and President.

Also this is treading in the whole creepy "Dean Kamen is god" complex and the unnecessary pop idolization of him.

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

I'm personally leaning my vote towards one candidate already, but waiting upon the announcement of the two leading candidate's VP selections.

I did NOT vote in the last election, & this was a contributing factor.

I did not like Lieberman who was going with Gore so in turn he was out in my mind (kinda regrettably thinking back on that decision), & I did not like G.W even more, so he was out (don't regret not voting for him, that's for sure).
We all know how the election turned out, & it was what it was & I could personally care less how that went. These past 4 years have been rough all around economy wise, & with other issues global & local, so this year I will be voting.

I believe if you do not vote, you can't complain about anything that's going wrong. I've bit my tounge these last 4 years because of that fact, & this year I will be voting no matter what, so I can not only have a voice this year, but also so I can complain about issues in the future without anyone saying I can't because I didn't have a voice when November rolled around.

(I just still have to go register. - Why can't that be done online? Ughh...)

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

Dean Kamen?

I think I'll write-in someone even more unlikely to win... Like Ron Paul... :cool:

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

Dude Gore vs GW was 8 years ago!

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

Some actions are worth the trip.

Another trip worth taking is to a museum of history or a library that shares the passages of time and voting rights in our country, to refresh the lessons and the memories. My generation can well remember the hard fought battles for voting rights. We can see these struggles in other places today in 2008. If you are in Washington DC, go to the Lincoln Memorial and watch the coming and going of the many peoples, their children, their aged, their flags, and listen to some of the accents and languages as they gaze upon Mr. Lincoln and share their thoughts. I did that this summer.

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

For the first time in 20 years, I am undecided. I can make arguments to vote either way.

One thing I am decided about is that this is darn fun to watch.

AB

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

You aren't sick of it yet.

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

Elgin Clock: you may be interested to know that you can register to vote by mail according to http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Voting/Register.shtml I personally found that it was a piece of cake. Besides, isn't choosing the next president, or next school board member, worth it? Remember, just as you represent your team on CD our leaders represent us in the world. Personally I think that is worth the 25-30 minute trip to and from the secretary of state's office.

Actually a lot of the stuff on that site linked above is kind of interesting. I also can't agree more with Jane about the struggle for the right to vote.

I won't tell you who to vote for, nor will I tell you who I voted for. But I will say that millions died to give us the right to choose to write Dean Kamen, or anyone else on that ballot in November. So I won't tell you who to vote for but I will tell you vote for someone.

Andrew
Proud Participant in the American Experiment Nov 2008 - ????

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

I have to agree with Joe Matt on pop idolization. I also find it ironic some of you would vote for Dean or McCain..a Democrat..or a Republican. Can't go both ways.:p

I'm leaning towards one candidate, and it probably won't change when they choose their VP. This year will definitely be a big one in the book of US Government and a big U-Turn for the economy..hopefully.:rolleyes:

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

I'm just going to flip a coin... we really have no good choice.

I would have really loved to have seen Fred Thompson in the race but the back room boys decided it was McCains turn.

If Obama wins I'm betting on the Jimmy Carter factor. After four years with him in the office the GOP could run Goofy against him and win. I just hope theres something left to rebuild.

If McCain wins theres a 25% chance he'll die in his first term (not my prediction that came from the folks in the insurance industry) so well have the gal from Alaska running the show. My problem with McCain is his flip-flops on immigration, the Fair Tax act (HR2525), and CNG use.

I don't see either making any positive change. 2012 going to be a very interesting year.

Just for the record... I consider myself a Confederate Conservative.

-p :cool:

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

I’m sure that a lot of the members of these boards who have been around for quite a few years already knew who I’d be voting for this election cycle. I’m pretty sure I’m one of the few people responsible for politics being a closable thread topic on these boards. I’ll try to keep this short and try not to be as inflammatory as I have been in the past (religion / politics / war).

I’m supporting Barack Obama for president this year, and I supported him and voted for him in the primary here in California, too. I support Obama’s stance on practically every major issue, with a few exceptions here and there.

After eight years of failed foreign and domestic policies this country needs a 180 degree change. That won’t happen if we elect someone who has drawn from the same stagnant pool of intellectuals that this administration has been using.

Despite the fact that many people seem to believe that this election just comes down to the flip of a coin between two candidates, this is never the case. People thought that Gore and Bush were so similar that many decided to vote for a candidate that they knew had no chance of winning (Nader), they stayed home, or they flipped a coin. It should be pretty plainly obvious to even the least informed voter that an Al Gore presidency would not have looked like the past eight years, if only for the fact that this country would have invested in clean energy and upped mileage standards on cars more significantly.

It’s okay to be undecided because (for example) you are pro-life and would favor McCain, but your family is worse off financially and has no healthcare and would favor Obama. This is a legitimate quandary. But to say that “they’re all the same so it doesn’t matter who I vote for” is to let your country down by failing to educate yourself on the candidates’ positions. As a possible voter in this election you owe it to your country to decide which candidate represents moving forward in a direction that will help us get back on our feet (infrastructure and domestic policy-wise) and help uphold human rights and regain our moral high-ground in the international community.

This election is not to be taken lightly. Arguably, for the first time since the election of FDR the aggregate direction of the world could hinge on this vote in November. We can’t afford to screw it up because we failed to observe the obvious differences between the only two candidates who have a chance of winning.

-Bill

*If this is too much, go ahead and delete it Brandon*

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

Not cool Bill.

The thread had been alright until you injected your opinion. Now what are those that disagree with you supposed to do, respond and start a political discussion? You know how quickly that could (and usually does) break down.

There are many forums where that type of thing would be appropriate. This is not one of them.

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

Maybe my initial reaction was too harsh, it's just that I'm shocked that my previous post was deemed offensive by someone so quickly. What offended you? My brief statement of support for Obama (most likely) or the last 3 paragraphs and significantly more time spent talking about the importance of educating the electorate and encouraging them to make their own decisions? It's not like we live in a country ruled by Philosopher Kings.

By the way, I'm not the only person to briefly advocate for a particular candidate. Read the last bit of post #3 in this thread.

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

I gave a blip of my opinion. My thought process basically matches yours Bill.

I don't see why civil political debate shouldn't be allowed. It's in the chit-chat section, no one is blowing up over what anyone has said (yet). I think Bill's reaction was more to the statement neither candidate is worthy and that we should just flip a coin.

Research the candidates' views and policies and then vote for the candidate that you think can make the greatest positive impact over the next four years. If you refuse to vote then please also refuse from complaining over the next four years about the state of the nation.

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

You're not the only one, but you are the only one to give a reasoning. Not to mention the harshest one on the thread. I can't say that you don't raise some good points, particularly in the last paragraph and the half-paragraph just before it, but the rest seems to be calculated to stir heated debate, or worse, a flame war.

Your last 1.5-3 paragraphs are fine; it's the one or two before that that will offend people. Or rather, offend some and be applauded by others. To be frank, the third paragraph sounds like you're slinging some mud, intentionally or not.

I say, Consider very carefully the candidates, their positions, and what they say/do. Maybe the parties, though the party can easily rebel against their candidate after he is in office. Then make your own informed choice.

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

Civil discussion, and sharing of opinions is fine. Attacking the opinions of others is not. If the thread dips into that, it should be closed. If not, then what's wrong with a little healthy debate?

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

i have to say... taht acutally makes some seince

Im a Volunteer and a proud donating supporter of Barack Obama, seince i really can't put it in my signiture

-Public Service Announcement-
Weather you live in a battleground state like me (Florida), or live in the most one sided city in America, you should get out and VOTE. what Elgin said is right. I supported Kerry in 2004, but couldn't vote. so i really can't complain about the last four years, I have to bite my tongue and take it like a man, now im able to stand up and support who i want to with a check mark on November 4th and im doing everything i can to elect my candidate president.

I even made a thread during the primary season asking, "which candidate would be best for FIRST", there is a little thing called "search" where you can look it up

Don't just get to know the candidates. if the belief for your candidate is as strong as the belief is that i have for my candidate. then please GET INVOLVED. donate, volunteer, or do something to help them out. (not overstating your opinions on CD or flaming others in other threads).

Both candidates have tried to run respectable campaigns against one another, now it's our jobs, who support these candidates to do the same, RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE'S VIEW'S.

that's all i have to say

(oh, and happy birthday to me!)

P.S.: if anyone has any questions about politics, please PM me or see my facebook profile, im going to eventually switch my major from electrical to Political Science with all this mess that's going on.)

EDIT: Bill, i don't think your statements are partisan at all,

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

Cool Link from the Washington Post
http://projects.washingtonpost.com/c...enate/members/

This is a link to the senate members, but you can also check out house of rep. too.

This link has their voting record and compares them to their party and the opposition part stance. It also has tools like best attendance, worst attendance, % with party, % against party....

Be aware that for the guys running for the last year or so, they have missed a lot of votes due to campaigning.

I would recommend reading through some of the bills that they vote on. It may help explain some of the (Changes in position). The votes are often lots of things lumped together sometimes related, sometimes not. Often they have to choose to vote for a couple things they want (like more funding for FIRST) vs. things they don't want in the same bill (Underwater bridges from LA to Hawaii). I hope hawaii has a good since of humor:) .

Consider it the Congress Scouting System. Who did what they said they would and who didn't.

Since 3 of the 4 persons on the 2 main tickets are senators, you can actually get some data on what they really voted for (or against).

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

I think I'll just state my political orientation I came up with for my facebook here...

"It's easy being green with these candidates. GO NADER!" :]

-q :rolleyes:

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

I wish there was a third party that actually had a choice of winning.
I also wish they had a better candidate. We need a third choice, the two we have are so much alike these days there is no real choice for change.
Last third party candidate I voted for was that Ross Perot... you know how that turned out.

Since my earlier post I've learned more of this Sandra Palin... I'm very impress. Alaska is very lucky to have such a good governor and I'm leaning towards voting for McCain in the hopes that someday she may take over from him.

-p :cool:

Re: Undecided about the 2008 presidential election?
 

Lewis Black suggests we re-elect Ronald Reagan - Along with the obvious humor, I think that I recognize a certain sort of wisdom in that suggestion...
;)