Either Or

Why do we pick a particular candidate?

I don’t claim to know alot about politics, but I have an opinion here and there.  This morning, 23/6 reported a bit on Jim Webb’s Vice prospects.  Here come my caveats (followed shortly by my point, I promise).  The original  article concerning Webb’s interest in running alongside Obama appeared in the Washington Times, a paper known for its conservative point of view.  Secondly, 23/6 is known for its often light-hearted take on…well… lots of things.  The  website proceeds to make a pros and cons list of Webb’s, including his “a-hole factor” (5) and his “vibe” (manly).

In my opinion, most Americans will make their voting decision based on how much they like a particular candidate.  Others will decide strictly on party lines.  More times than not, though, both of these decision-making factors have very very little to do with what each candidate actually stands for politically.  Again, perhaps I am not giving the American public enough credit, but I bet most Americans cannot tell me more than one thing either candidate stands for.  But they will say “McCain is too old” or “Obama is inexperienced.”  What about McCain’s stance on social security?   Or what Obama wants to do with bankruptcy laws and mortgage fraud to jump start the economy?  Don’t know?  These issues affect the American individual much more significantly than Obama’s connection to his former minister or McCain’s wife’s annual income.  Is the media to blame for fueling the hype?  Sure, partly.

Shouldn’t we educate ourselves about what we are voting for – what a candidate will do once actually elected – rather than making snap judgments based on unimportant factors of personal character?  I can respect a vote for any candidate if the decision is well-informed, not just based on hype alone.