Democrat or Republican

WGA Member Joined: 2004-07-15 Posts: 86 Location: Sussex

I often wondered about my fellow cachers on this subject. I have my ideas but I could be wrong.

Please let's not make this a flame war. Thats for Hannity and Colmes to do.

Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:24 pm

Hey, interesting poll.

Personally, I love politics, and watch it like others watch football. Seth got to listen to all my half-baked political opinions all weekend, many of which are self-contradictory, but that is half the fun.

This year's presidential race is particularly interesting in that there is no incumbent in either party running, and no VP either, which is quite rare.

The Obama/Clinton race is particularly interesting as they fight to a draw. Obama has a better ground game, which is why he is winning all the caucus states, and Clinton until now has relied on name recognition and the positive feelings that many Democrats have had towards Bill Clinton. That strategy is not working for her, so look for her to change her strategy over the next month, probably hitting Wisconsin with her new game plan first, so we will have good seats on the 50 yard line for her new offensive plan.

Obama's game plan is working great for him, but as we move into the second half of the game, will he adjust to the changes Hillary makes? Will charisma and the ability to sound inspiritional be enough for folks to notice that he has not said much of substance?

My best guess is they will continue to battle to a draw, with Obama winning nearly everything durning Februrary (except maybe Wisconsin) and Clinton doing better when the big states come up next month - TX, PA. Like in football, a single big play can make all the difference. I am anticipating a big gaffe (a fumble) by one of them, and the election to turn on that. Who makes the big gaffe first, is anybody's guess.

On the Republican side, there is also an interesting battle. McCain is a true American hero, serving well in the Senate for 2 decades plus and in the Hanoi Hilton for 5 years, yet the conservatives are slagging him awfully hard for not being conservative enough on immigration, campaign finance and taxes. Huckabee is a very likable fellow, and I like to listen to him, but he is way too far behind now to catch up.

In short, all 4 of the candidates left are interesting to watch, and there is a lot more to come.

z

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 3:42 pm

I just really like this picture:

Bec

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 4:48 pm

I grew up in a household where political discussions were the fodder of dinnertime conversation...every day. Mom was president of the League of Women Voters and had been a delegate to the state's Republican convention more than once.

People always said, "You'll get more conservative with age." Not really. My mom sure hasn't! She rarely votes Republican anymore, saying that the party now is not the Republican party she knew. I think I just keep swinging more and more out of mainstream party politics altogether, and wish that our country could move beyond what is basically two-party politics. The last big policital rally I attended was when Al Gore kicked off his last bid here in LaCrosse on the riverboat. It was pretty exciting to be part of that (and I have the photos to prove I was there, ask Mrs. TE, she's seen them!)

I have to agree with Ralph, this is a very interesting year to watch. No matter which candidate takes the Democratic nomination, it will be history in the making. I am still undecided at this point, and will admit that in the last gubernatorial election, I voted for a third party candidate.

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 4:49 pm

Politics can be interesting, or can be boring as heck...

It is kind of like voting for the less of two evils. Want to vote for the one that doesn't screw up our Great country the most!!!!!

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 8:01 pm

Trekkin' and Birdin' wrote:

People always said, "You'll get more conservative with age."

I would disagree, with that statement. I would say people get more cynical with age. I have a hard time believing any of the candidates, and believe that they will say anything to get elected, knowing that they will never be able to realistically accomplish even a fraction of what they promise.