What do you base your political decisions on?

[Oggyflute]

wow! Presidential elections in the states are pretty intense.
It's somewhat different down under. The Obama's nomination has been on the news of course, and I was rather taken back a tad on how big it was. I presume that McCain will have a similar one. I had to chuckle actually because after showing Obama's big bash with Stevie Wonder etc, they showed a clip of our current Prime Minister in his election campaign, doing a jig with a busker on the sidewalk! (well you have to budget costs you see. Can't be seen to spend too much on the entertainment).
In regards to this election, what I look for is basically any reaction that will filter down to our own market & economy, interest rates etc. Things that would have a direct bearing on myself and my lifestyle. Which is also how I look at elections locally, both State & Federal, at least at first. Then of course, you might afford yourself the luxury of thinking about issues in a wider outlook, like troops at war & global warming. But essentially, I believe most people are worried about their jobs, feeding their family, health care, schooling, basically the things that allow us to function in society. OK, now who's the best person and party to do that!?? Can be a tough choice, but I'd rather have to have that choice, than to never have it.
In my younger days, I actually flew a lot of politicians around when in the RAAF, and I'm well aquainted in how fallible they actually are. So when you are in that voting booth, you just hope that tick you place on that form was the right one for you & your family.

[RICHARD]

In regards to this election, what I look for is basically any reaction that will filter down to our own market & economy, interest rates etc. Things that would have a direct bearing on myself and my lifestyle. Which is also how I look at elections locally, both State & Federal, at least at first. Then of course, you might afford yourself the luxury of thinking about issues in a wider outlook, like troops at war & global warming. But essentially, I believe most people are worried about their jobs, feeding their family, health care, schooling, basically the things that allow us to function in society. OK, now who's the best person and party to do that!?? Can be a tough choice, but I'd rather have to have that choice, than to never have it.

Ahem, at the risk of offending my "fellow 'Murican's"-


At 232 some odd years old the Untied States (pun intended) in some cases is way too young to really know what we want in a politician.

It's great to hear opinions, without the well deserved snickering, about how we look to other people in other places.

There are many, more qualified men than BO that could run for the Democratic nomination. The fact is that money fueled 'extravaganzas' and wasteful spending is part of the plan to get into office. All politicians have the inner megalomania -as you may suspect and know. So spending money on elaborate stages with giant screen TVs, fireworks and speeches that captivate but do not flesh out any political standings are the norm.


About Barack-
There is a certain novelty about his being black, being a good speaker (BS shoveler) and having rock star good looks. I really don't care about that. being a little more insightful is always a good thing! The Republican-LOL, you may know the answer to this.....Why not just call them PUBlicans? - isn't any better. He does have a bunch of minuses on his dance card. But he's what we have to look at.

In the end it's a popularity contest that includes the spouses, the issues and how many lies you can get away with.

You can equate the campaigning to a clown car you see at a circus.

Except it's a limo and and the pinstripe suit is the costume of the day.


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One day I hope we can meet, I'll explain American football to you in exchange for some pointers on what happens on the pitch with the Aussie style FB? It's far more exciting than stupid politics.


I'll buy the first round!

[Edwina's Secretary]

and having rock star good looks.

You had better be careful RICHARD. There are people who get VERY upset if you comment on the looks of a candidate!

[sparks19]

really now

No apparently Obama's good looks make him MORE qualified for some reason. He makes the ladies *swoon* so I hear. He's not my type though. I just wouldn't vote or not vote for someone based on their looks either way... but some people do and that's kind of sad

it's also kind of sad that Obama is ALREADY receiving death threats many because he is "black" Really makes me wonder how many people are voting because of superficial things.

personally for me... if I could vote here... the biggest thing I look for are things that are most important for me in a candidate... does he/she support the things that mean the most to me? What is their plan for it (although this has become increasingly difficult to find out because not many these days want to lay their plan out for you... they just want to tell you what the OTHER guy is doing wrong. that doesn't help anyone) After that I look at how much money they are going to likely want to take from me in order to put their "plans" into action. Are they going to cut costs only to jack up taxes to the point that we are paying more than the costs they cut.

I try to listen to both sides speak... although sometimes listening to either side makes my brain go "BUZZZZZZ". Again... I DON'T want to hear about how the other guy is doing it WRONG. I want to hear about how you are going to do it right.

but in the end... and I'm sure I will get lots of 's for this... I have to go with my heart. they can tell me anything they want but if I really don't believe it then I just can't go along with it.

But... none of this matters because I can't vote.

[Cinder & Smoke]

IF I could vote here ...

What is their plan for it (although this has become increasingly difficult
to find out because not many these days want to lay their plan out for you
... they just want to tell you what the OTHER guy is doing wrong -
that doesn't help anyone).

I try to listen to both sides speak ...
I DON'T want to hear about how the other guy is doing it WRONG.
I want to hear about how you are going to do it right.

Darn shame you CAN'T Vote ... we sure need more INFORMED Voters
like you!

I also deduct points for the negative ads and unending tails of how
"That Other Guy is doing it all wrong ..."

I'm afraid that BOTH the Presidential Wanna-bees are into negative
numbers in MY points tally ...

"NONE of the above" is sounding better every day.

[Oggyflute]

One day I hope we can meet, I'll explain American football to you in exchange for some pointers on what happens on the pitch with the Aussie style FB? It's far more exciting than stupid politics.


I'll buy the first round!

Absolutely Richard! Having a yarn on football over a few quiet beers, is the backbone of communication in any civilised society.

[RICHARD]

Absolutely Richard! Having a yarn on football over a few quiet beers, is the backbone of communication in any civilised society.

LOL, But Ms. Palin is ours! We saw her first!