Why did you vote for Obama or not...?

[Pam]

and his stance on the abortion issue, specially his role killing legislation to protect born-alive survivors of abortions goes against everything that I believe in

I agree with you there. Partial birth abortion is appalling to me and failing to provide medical care to the survivor of a botched abortion is criminal to me. I was leery of his liberal agenda as a whole although I do think that some of his ideas are good and his youth is on his side. He made a wise choice with Joe Biden and I liked that about him.

I didn't like McCain either but I do approve of his pro-life position. I don't agree with many of his policies and I think he shot himself in the foot by his selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate. To be quite honest, if he had been elected I would have worried on a daily basis about his health for fear that she would become president.

As I sat and watched the returns I have to say that I really was emotionless. Neither candidate inspired me or gave me a feeling of confidence so I didn't care how the election turned out. Now that Obama is our President Elect he deserves our support. I hope that God will continue to Bless America.

[Edwina's Secretary]

Since I began voting at 18, this is the first time I felt GOOD about my choice. I have voted for Republicans, Democrats and once -- an Independent. But never a positive vote. Just...the lesser of two evils...or anyone who wasn't the other guy. There have been times I decided once I was in the voting booth.

This time I was thrilled to vote. I voted for Obama because I believe he can put the nightmare of the last eight years behind us. He can restore the reputation of the US as a country that leads by example not by force.

I believe he understands the health care crisis -- McCain has been at the federal government trough his entire life. Never drawn a paycheck that I didn't help pay for. He is -- or at least his wife is -- extremely wealthy. I do not believe he can understand the issues that ordinary wage earning people face.

I voted for Obama because he has the qualities of a leader -- able to inspire, able to motivate, able to get people working toward a common goal.

[Cookiebaker]

I agree with you there. Partial birth abortion is appalling to me and failing to provide medical care to the survivor of a botched abortion is criminal to me. I was leery of his liberal agenda as a whole although I do think that some of his ideas are good and his youth is on his side. He made a wise choice with Joe Biden and I liked that about him.

I didn't like McCain either but I do approve of his pro-life position. I don't agree with many of his policies and I think he shot himself in the foot by his selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate. To be quite honest, if he had been elected I would have worried on a daily basis about his health for fear that she would become president.

As I sat and watched the returns I have to say that I really was emotionless. Neither candidate inspired me or gave me a feeling of confidence so I didn't care how the election turned out. Now that Obama is our President Elect he deserves our support. I hope that God will continue to Bless America.

Pam, I could not have said it any better!

[Twisterdog]

To answer your second question ...

I am a registered independent. That having been said, I have very rarely ever actually voted for an independent candidate. I registered as an independent because I do not believe in the party system. I think it is an overly-simplified attempt to categorize a very complicated system.

I believe in some things that are traditionally "republican", and I believe in some things that are traditionally "democratic". No person, especially one of our leaders, should be so constrained by a particular party's view that he or she is afraid to step outside of the box.

I believe we should decide based on the person running - their views, beliefs, intelligence, etc., not which party they belong to. I think we have had good republican leaders and good democratic leaders, as well as bad leaders of both parties.

I believe in actually thinking, not just filling in the circle next to the party one has always chosen.

[sirrahbed]

I am conservative in my views but would vote for any party if I felt that is where my conscience was leading me. I do not support any particular party, though I suppose I am currently a republican. Christian first. American a close second. Maybe even a tie.

[carole]

Thank you all for your honesty and views.