A Reader Writes: Actually enjoying politics this year By Karen Kelley
Sunday, January 27, 2008 9:51 PM PST
I never thought I’d be a political junkie, but I guess that’s what I’ve become. These past few weeks, I’ve been glued to the TV to listen to everything about first, the Iowa Caucus, then the New Hampshire Primary and then again for the Michigan Primary. I never in the world thought my interest would veer in that direction.
I’ve always voted and been aware of who’s running. But if you’d asked me about the straw poll or any of the primary races, I’d have drawn a blank.
This year, I find them fascinating. And I switch from channel to channel to get the latest polls (not that they’ve been all that right, so far). I have chosen my favorite commentators and zero in on their take for each race.
And then there’s the debates. That’s a division all in itself. They put on quite a show, trying to outdo each other and finally resorting to some not so complimentary tactics with each other, which should hurt them in the polls and usually does.
A few of the candidates are now getting low on funds, which means they have to win a primary soon to pump up their electability so they can raise more funds. These candidates are getting desperate and resorting to some “below the belt” tactics.
It all seems like a game to me, and I guess that’s why I’m so mesmerized by the whole process. I’m sure each candidate does not consider this a game, but serious business.
I’ve heard of an “exit poll” before but never even cared enough to get the definition. Now, I’m eager after each poll closes to hear what the “exit poll” says. My husband is astounded that I’m honed in on these races. All these years, he’s been moderately following the process and has gotten used to my indifference. At least now, we can coherently discuss the race together.
I have my favorites, which I shall keep anonymous; however I vacillate between two or three, waiting to hear them debate and how they do in each state. Each candidate has his (or her) strong points which they drum into us daily. Some “toot their own horn” so much it turns me off. Their record should speak for itself, but usually differs from their platform.
There’s varying ages starting with Huckabee and Obama in their forties, to John McCain in his early seventies. They are all very qualified candidates, some stronger than others on certain issues.
I also find it interesting that certain networks and cable stations are slanted in one direction or the other — left or right. You hear conflicting reports from these competing stations which really is confusing. They predict which candidate will do better in certain areas, and they are usually right, usually.
My husband is a one-party man and doesn’t even like to hear anything about the other party. I guess that makes things easier to consider, but it leaves out all the fun.
My 10-year-old granddaughter was over the other night. Evidently they’ve been discussing the race at school, because she flat out told me how “great” it would be to have a woman president. I tried to get it through her head that that shouldn’t be a criteria to vote for someone, but to no avail. She’s convinced that Hillary Clinton should be the next president. I’m sure she’s not alone in her rationale. Lots of women need only know that a woman is running to get their vote. This is too bad. But there I go again juggling all the candidates up in the air with their “good” and “bad” points.
Come next November, the decision will be made by the voters of our United States, which is how it should be. No amount of cajoling, pleading, dramatics or emotionalism will matter. The people will speak and we will have a new president of the United States.
But in the meantime, I will keep on watching the show put on by all of all the candidates and enjoy the ride.
" This election will be very dramatic and that is why not just you but many people including me are much more interested! There are major economic, energy, immigration, and foreign relations (war) issues that the country must repair over the next 4-8 years. The next President will be responsible for the country's direction on these issues. The candidates are all so very different from each other whether by experience, race, gender, and religion making the races even more interesting. Please vote! "
jbrad wrote on Jan 28, 2008 4:40 PM:
" Then let me know, Gymjunkie. We have not endorsed anyone, but if you think we have by reading something a reader wrote, that is quite a trick! - Brad Jennings, editor "
gymjunkie wrote on Jan 28, 2008 4:27 PM:
" Apparently we know who the IV Press endorses. "
anniemaud wrote on Jan 28, 2008 4:11 PM:
" The US Constitution says that the Electoral College elects the President of the United States, not the voters. The voters merely vote for the people who sit in the Electoral College.
That way, a popular vote means nothing, the presidential candidate who wins the states with the most electoral votes win. As some Presidential candidates have found out to their dismay. "
anniemaud wrote on Jan 28, 2008 4:05 PM:
" The voters decide on the Electoral College candidates and the Electoral College determines who is President of the United States.
It is a fallacy that voters enter the voting booth and vote directly for the presidential candidate of her or his choice, didn't you learn that in school? The Electoral College is the electorate and can even elect a President over the popular voice of the people.
It's about the number of electoral votes that each state has that elects the President.
Al Gore found that out the hard way.
Good thing that you are not running for President!
"
marygb wrote on Jan 28, 2008 11:26 AM:
" Karen: I say, "better to be a Johnny come lately than a "Johnny come never." Most people don't realize they are in the political arena, in some way or another. If your child is in school, if you have a job anything that effects your life, trickles down from a political aspect. So, just about each and everyone is involved is politics, especially when their money is involved. Someone does not have to be in office. If they care, they get involved. So, you finding out who, what, when, why and where these contenders are at in the race is fun, but a super serious business. Gather your facts, get out to vote and let your conscious be your guide. Criticism is part of the landscape of the arena. In California if you are unhappy with the current status of state, VOTE NO ON PROP 93!! "
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ricocafe99 wrote on Jan 28, 2008 9:35 PM: