We hear there are about 10% of voters which are "swing votes", and can go either way in the election and have yet to decide. What the hell are they waiting for? I mean, really, we are weeks away from the election. What do they need to have happen before their minds are made up?
Are they waiting until election day to see if something specific happens with Iraq? Or waiting to see if there is another terrorist attack? Would those things make them decide? What are these peoples "swing issues" which they can't decide on? The economy? Healthcare? Taxes? Gay marriage? What are they still analysing? Both candidates have pretty well laid out their plans for various things. If you ignore what they say on the campaign trail and read independent analysis of these things, you can get past the rhetoric and see what they want to do, and make a decision.
So what is it? Why can't people decide by now? What are the issues they are waiting on?
Personally, I believe Kerry could be better on the domestic front. The international front remains to be seen, but I don't think he could do worse than Bush. I never likes the US being the World Police, and don't want it to become the World Bully. I don't think we need a permission slip from anyone to defend ourselves (neither to EITHER candidate), but do believe that a clear understanding in the world community before committing people to war is needed. We don't need to alienate ourselves (more), and we don't need to be seen as a rouge superpower or unpredictable. I believe in war as a last resort, and covert operations to find and kill terrorists wherever they are. I believe in honesty, and being able to say you made a mistake or have changed your mind based on new information. I don't believe Kerry would somehow be soft of terror, or only be reactive. Sometimes you need to be, when blindsided. Of course, I don't hear about Bush going after bin Laden before 9/11, but does say he knew bin Laden was a threat.
Anywho.. I digress. I still wonder what the swing voters could possibly be waiting for, or make them ebb and flow at this point.
Posted by Kevin at October 07, 2004 08:53 AMMaybe they don't really want to vote due to lack of suitable candidates and are choosing to vote by not voting, if you see what I mean.
It's much like the situation I find myself in over here as to what party to vote for. Each party has it's good and bad points but I don't see any particular strong party saying "hey look at me!". I don't think the Labour party will make it in for a third term(Blair) due to the endless taxes that keep going up, oh yeah and the war. Then again I don't see their main opposition getting in as they wrecked the country before Labour took over(conservative, Michael Howard). I suppose I could always vote for the Lib Dems as they have pretty much remained middle of the road over all issues and seem to be like some cross breed of both main parties. Then again I could always vote for the raving looney party(it's real!!! and usually gathers a few votes). Or the Green party who will led us all to utopia. Damn it I hate choice bring on the new world order...
...maybe I'll run myself. The I Don't Know Who to Vote For So I'll Go With This Guy Party.
Posted by: Justin Cavnor on October 7, 2004 10:53 AMI think that if you over 18, it's your duty to vote. If you don't, you have nothing to complain about since you didn't do what you could to cast your vote for change, or status quo. There is really no excuse not to register to vote, and vote.
If you don't like either candidate, then you choose an issue important you to, and vote for the one with the same view. Or, vote against the one who has an opposing view on something important to you. There are many issues to choose from to make it "your reason to vote for someone." Pick one, and vote. Especially, for the president and state reps.
I vote whenever there is a poll open to do so. I don't care if it's for dog catcher or governor. Give me a choice and I'll make one.. be it on party lines, an issue or the persons past record.
The only thing that angers me more than people pissing away votes on people like Nader is people who don't vote at all.
Posted by: Kevin on October 7, 2004 11:27 AMI concur and furthermore I'm concerned about the "use it or lose it" scenario where if citizens don't exercise their right to vote we may find it one day legislated away due to apathy.
Posted by: Oingo on October 7, 2004 4:11 PMIf that were on the ballot, I wonder how the turnout would be!
I don't think that scenario is realistic thought.
Posted by: Kevin on October 7, 2004 4:18 PM