Marco…
September 9, 2008
Like everyone else in the U.S. I have politics on my mind, whether I am blogging about it or not. I have been trying to write something about it. I see people on one side getting so very excited and I think, “Meh.” I see people on the other side getting excited and I think that I am missing something.
Maybe I am cynical and jaded, but I just don’t really think it makes a difference. A career politician is a career politician.
I am tired of the Obama supporters thinking that if you aren’t voting for him you are stupid, or ill-informed, or don’t care about our country. And that you are probably racist.
I am tired of the McCain supporters thinking that if you aren’t voting for him you are stupid, ill-informed, or don’t care about our country. And that you probably hate war veterans.
I wish I could get excited. And put one of those little signs out on my front lawn. Maybe break my hard fast rule about bumper stickers on my cars. Or wear a red, white and blue t-shirt with the name of a candidate on it. In the end I will probably vote against someone.
And right now I can hear people getting their panties in a bunch. People on both sides who want to jump in and tell me how wrong I am. How could I possibly NOT agree with them, when they are so right. People who want to tell me that if I looked at the issues I couldn’t possibly vote for the other guy.
Oooooooooh, the ISSUES, why didn’t I think of that!
That’s right, it is because I am stupid, ill-informed, and don’t care about our country.
When the Obama supporters chant, “We can do it!” I can’t be the only one who thinks of Bob the Builder. Maybe that is who I should vote for. He is very handy with that backhoe.
I wrote the following two years ago after the mid-term election, and it still resonates with me:
I have made a personal decision not to blog about politics. Not because I am not interested, I am. Not because I don’t have ideas or concerns, I do. But because I don’t see everything as black and white. I see things in color, bright vivid colors that swirl around over my head. And sometimes I can see more than one color of an issue, I can see many. And I can’t reconcile that in my writing, so I don’t even try.
This year I felt like the election Grinch. I wasn’t excited to rock my vote. (Though truth be told, I have never been the age demographic for rocking my vote even back at it’s inception)
I went to the polls to vote against people. I voted not because I was excited about a candidate and the ideas and platform, but because the other candidate scared the hell out of me. Is this just because I have gotten older and more jaded? I don’t think so. Something has changed.
The first election I remember voting in was the presidential election in 1992. The energy and excitement were palpable. I remember when Clinton won being excited and feeling as though we were entering a new era. I remember sitting and watching the results come in on television and talking on the phone with friends who were equally excited.
Do you remember the debates that year? Do you remember Ross Perot?
Two years ago and again yesterday I felt myself thinking, “Where is Ross Perot when you need him?”
And by this I don’t literally mean Ross Perot. I mean a person who would stand for what he did during that election. A person who got people excited. A person who got people talking about politics again. A person who makes you believe, in spite of all evidence to the contrary, that a regular person can make a difference, that our government is still elected by the people, for the people. Even though I thought he was nuttier than a fruitcake, I appreciate the life he brought to the campaign that year.
Now I feel like I stand here alone in a vast wasteland. I look to my right and think, “Who are you people?”
And I look to my left and think, “And who are you people?”
And I stand here in the vast divide, listening to the rhetoric being thrown back and forth. I keep hearing that this election is a referendum on Iraq. That voters are turning out to send a message about Iraq. As one of those voters, I feel insulted. I am not merely voting for or against Iraq. There are so many other issues.
I know that there must be others like me standing in this wasteland. It’s just that the divide has become so large and empty that we can’t see each other. Perhaps I should just start calling “Marco” and waiting to hear an answer.
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POLO!
September 9th, 2008 at 8:21 amIt’s come down to the lesser of two evils. Siiigh.
September 9th, 2008 at 8:21 amPolo!
Well said. I’m with you. My vote is going to the candidate whose positions are in line with my morals- but I’m hardly excited by him. When I watch both men, I think “Is this really the best our great country has to offer?”
September 9th, 2008 at 8:25 amI’m right there with you. I’m not really fond of McCain…but I will be voting for him so that I can say that I voted against Obama. It’s all I can do. Sigh.
September 9th, 2008 at 8:31 amI’m right in that divide with you. I’ve never been less excited over an election. I feel like I’m picking the lesser of two evils rather than voting for someone I have full confidence in and really want to see in office. I’ve said several times during this campaign process - I can’t believe out of the 6 million people in this country, these are the only candidates we can find.
September 9th, 2008 at 8:35 amPolo!
September 9th, 2008 at 8:39 amPolo.
I am SO on the same page with you here. You and I have vastly different lives, and yet so often, I read the words you put here (I actually remember the post in question) and think “Exactly.”
There are so many pieces that are important to me, and yet I see no candidate that will meet my needs. And that makes me sad, because there are a fair number of us standing out here, scratching our heads and saying “Seriously? You think that guy’s EXCITING?”
September 9th, 2008 at 8:44 amAmen. People seem to want to boil everything down into a nice little package and put a bow on top. “If you vote for McCain, he’s gonna overturn Roe vs. Wade.” “If you vote for Obama, he’s gonna pull all the troops out of Iraq and then we’ll have a big mess.” Neither of these things is going happen. On one hand, people give Presidents way too much credit. And on the other hand, people don’t give Presidents enough credit.
September 9th, 2008 at 8:45 amPolo!
September 9th, 2008 at 8:45 amPolo! It is so difficult, when I have friends on either side who are “one-issue” voters; when people seem more interested in voting based on charismatic personalities rather than on issues; but I think this is the way it has always been. We were just younger and more naive in 1992.
September 9th, 2008 at 8:49 amPolo!
I am so with you in this political crowd.
September 9th, 2008 at 8:51 amPolo! I feel exactly the same way about all of it. And I choose not to bring it up in either my blog or in conversation. I will not even talk politics with my husband, because I just can’t handle being lectured. I will also be heading to the polls in November to vote against someone. And I’ll be wishing for that divide to quit getting so much bigger ever year.
September 9th, 2008 at 8:52 amPolo. Registered independent. All I want is some day to have an election where I’m not voting against someone. That’s it.
September 9th, 2008 at 8:52 amPolo.
Loud and clear. I feel the same way. About all of this. And I hate that others feel the need to “educate” me, and try to turn me into their version of a proper American.
September 9th, 2008 at 8:53 amI kinda felt like that before McCain picked Sarah Palin as VP. I think that ONE of the reasons people are excited by her is because she seems like an outsider, albeit an outsider with some teeth. I am withholding cynicism about her, because I do want to be excited. AND, it doesn’t seem like she is “preaching” at me, like so many of the others.
So, maybe this time I won’t write in a candidate. I dunno yet.
September 9th, 2008 at 8:53 amPOLO!!! I feel the EXACTLY the same way!!!!1
September 9th, 2008 at 8:57 amHear, hear!
It is the rabid people, the one who become frantic and froth at the mouth about their candidate, that turn me off the most.
I have to think, weigh and consider. And it is seldom clear cut for me, even at the very end.
Leeann
September 9th, 2008 at 9:01 amniccofive.blogspot.com
I don’t usually comment, buy I read your blog on a regular basis because your stories of your family always make me laugh and remind me of mine. This will be my first presidential election, but I definitely feel much the same as you and just can’t get excited about either candidate. I wish I could remember the 1992 elections, they sound like those times were better, hopefully things will get back there eventually.
September 9th, 2008 at 9:01 am-Emily
Amen! As usual, you echo my own feelings. My neighbor has worked for Ross P since b4 that election. I asked if he was going to jump back in but she just laughed. I was serious. My kids will be happy this year because neither parent is jazzed enough about their party’s candidate to start the usual pre-election fight.
September 9th, 2008 at 9:03 amI agree with your sentiments. I don’t even TALK politics because people are so insitent that they are right. But my only comment on this post was supposed to be - Thank You for not putting bumper stickers on your car!!!! They make me want to retch.
September 9th, 2008 at 9:03 amI know some people who never vote because they feel they are so far removed from the presidency that it really doesn’t make a difference.
I’m sure there are many people really weary of this campaign, especially because the democratic primary race was so vigorously fought.
I really think this election is one to make a difference, neither side has it tied up. And both sides are miles apart from each other on nearly every issue, so whoever gets in will likely change the trajectory of the country.
I’m sorry you don’t feel enthusiasm for either candidate. I think there are likely lots of people who agree with you.
September 9th, 2008 at 9:04 amYep. It’s all about the lesser of 2 evils and has been since at least 2000 if not before (honestly that’s when I could first vote and paid attention). I choose my core issues, look at where the candidates stand on them and vote for the one that I think will screw up the least.
September 9th, 2008 at 9:08 amPolo!
September 9th, 2008 at 9:20 amI have to say I don’t envy you, your politics is so complex and there is a lot at stake. They say that the US President is the leader of the free world, so you better make sure you pick the right one. Not that I want to add more pressure or anything, just say’n!
September 9th, 2008 at 9:22 am“Polo.” I hear you. I’m out here too.
September 9th, 2008 at 9:27 amPolo!
September 9th, 2008 at 9:29 amPolo, my dear, Polo!
September 9th, 2008 at 9:29 amI say “Chris for President”!!!
Now that’s a candidate we could get excited about!
September 9th, 2008 at 9:31 am- Long time lurker, first time typer. -
Your post actually makes me want to cry.
This morning I read that my demographic, something like women age 36-45?, are who they are fighting over…trying to sway us.
I keep thinking…sway me with what? Nobody is actually saying anything to me. I have four kids for crying out loud - I can hear the hedging of the truth three rooms away.
I first voted in 1988. I own some red, white and blue shirts - they are now MY painting clothes…
There are a lot of us swimming in this pool with you.
September 9th, 2008 at 9:32 amPolo…standing in the wasteland with you.
September 9th, 2008 at 9:40 amwell said. Polo!
September 9th, 2008 at 9:42 amComing out of the wasteland to say “Chris for President”…here’s a candidate to get excited about!
September 9th, 2008 at 9:43 am“Polo”…I don’t normally leave comments on blogs but I was moved to do so on this issue. I am the demographic that’s being targeted for rock the vote and I feel the same way you do. I’m not excited for either candidate. I agree and disagree with major points of both platforms and I know who I will be voting for, but I do not feel inspired. Neither candidate is stands for what I personally want to see in the White House but they are who we are left with at the end of the day.
September 9th, 2008 at 9:45 am“In the end I will probably vote against someone.”
That’s pretty much what it boils down to. I don’t trust the one candidate and am scared silly by the other.
There are a lot more of us in the great divide than any of us realize because we’ve got nothing to put on our t-shirts and shout about. Just a great, heavy sigh. Which is rather quiet.
September 9th, 2008 at 9:48 amPolo!!
September 9th, 2008 at 9:48 amAmen. I’m definately voting against people this year and my family doesn’t understand why I’m not excited about “my” candidate. It may be an historic election, but I feel let down somehow. I just wish we lived in one of those sane countries where they only allow TV and radio ads for a couple of weeks before the election. Good thing we have books on tape…
September 9th, 2008 at 9:49 amAmen
September 9th, 2008 at 9:51 amExcellent. Well said.
And not that it matters, but I wholeheartedly agree.
It’s easiest to just smile and nod.
One other thought - I’m tired of folks beginning a conversation about one of the candidates, and talking about them as though we already agree that one is right and the other is not. I just smile and nod.
Smile and nod.
September 9th, 2008 at 9:53 amPolo! You are sooo not alone.
September 9th, 2008 at 9:56 amThis is generally how I feel. The two major parties are like corporations, and are equally evil.
I won’t really feel like there’s much point in voting until the day a non-major-party candidate has a chance of actually winning.
I wish we did like other countries do, and could rank our votes instead of choosing only one. That would transform the way politics works.
September 9th, 2008 at 9:59 amPolo !
September 9th, 2008 at 9:59 amWhy can’t politicians see that most Americans don’t see things in black and white. We are NOT stupid. We are capable of seeing multi-sides to issues. I also remember voting in the 1992 election for the first time. I was the sad one that felt that the country was “going to go to Hell in a handbag” because Clinton was elected. And you know what? It didn’t. Life didn’t change too much. Life for me didn’t change too much with Bush….career politicians are just that….all smoke and mirrors. (But I will say…I am excited for the chance that Sarah Palin has)
I definitely feel this way. For my husband and I that Ross Perot person has been Ron Paul. Everything this man stands for is what I want for my country. Alas, he didn’t stand a chance against the big guys. And for why don’t we have a Ross Perot option this year….Ross Perot scared the crap out of the Republicans and Democrats. After that election year that good old Ross did so well they got together and formed a government committee ran by the Republicans and Democrats that would decided how much money the parties would get and who would get invited to the debates. Since then a 3rd party hasn’t been invited to any big debates.
September 9th, 2008 at 10:04 amI agree with you completely on this one. I just don’t get it. I can see some things on one side and a few on the other, but no one has me convinced that they can make things better. Instead they have me more convinced that things have the possibility of getting worse in areas that are stable right now. Throw in the fact that so many issues that concern me don’t even seem to be on the table, and it makes my head spin.
September 9th, 2008 at 10:04 amExactly!
September 9th, 2008 at 10:04 amPolo….. I’m exactly where you are. And I live with a husband who has strong opinions about both parties. I’m staying on the fence as long as I can…..
September 9th, 2008 at 10:08 amPolo
September 9th, 2008 at 10:17 amI’m there, standing in the middle too, but like you say, I got nothing. You said it.
Polo! I’m in college, and everyone around me is so passionate about the politics going on right now, and I am like you, in a wasteland, where I don’t want to express my opinion because I know that someone will be angry at me for what I think. This is the first time I can vote in a presidential election, and I will probably be voting against someone, not for someone. Blah.
September 9th, 2008 at 10:17 amPOLO!
September 9th, 2008 at 10:18 amFirst of all… Polo.
You put this very eloquently! I refuse to talk to my husband about politics because he only sees in strict black and white.
And I guess I’ve just lost the faith that something is actually going to happen when any political party says they’re going to take action.
September 9th, 2008 at 10:20 amHi, Wow I’ve been feeling the same way as you have!!
September 9th, 2008 at 10:42 amamerican politics, from my canadian viewpoint, are awesome for their soap operaness. the claims, accusations, revelations… you can’t buy better entertainment than this. loudmouth, offensive preacher? cool. pregnant 17 year old? awesome!!
i am so, so glad that i can’t actually vote. the people on the stage should only be there for entertainment. i just don’t think i could trust anyone willing to put themself and their family under that kind of microscope.
September 9th, 2008 at 10:45 amI think you wrote what a lot of people are feeling.
As always, I enjoyed reading today.
September 9th, 2008 at 10:46 amPolo.
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
September 9th, 2008 at 10:47 amI had that exact thought the other day… where is a third independent candidate when we need one. If for nothing other than to make the other two stop bad mouthing and actually talk ISSUES!
September 9th, 2008 at 10:49 am…. polo.
September 9th, 2008 at 10:50 amWow, this is amazing, I have been thinking the exact same things. I have been wanting to write about politics on my blog, but just cant seem to get it out. I tend to lean more one way, but I couldnt agree more with you about it not really making a difference, a politician is a politician. I am so glad I got to read this.
September 9th, 2008 at 10:54 amPolo! I am completely with you. They are all tools. It’s really like any other job. I too will be voting against someone. And then regretting it a few years down the line.
September 9th, 2008 at 10:57 amThanks for putting a voice to us all sitting in the wasteland.
POLO!
September 9th, 2008 at 10:59 amPolo!
September 9th, 2008 at 11:02 amI’m right there with you. The thought of not voting is abhorrent to me, but I can’t imagine voting for either of these candidates. Shall we start a write-in campaign for Stephen Colbert?
“the election Grinch”
love it
Thanks for not being political in your blog.
September 9th, 2008 at 11:04 amI am in that wasteland too. I am tired of both sides trying to stuff me in a little box. I am not all this nor am I all that.
Issues? I have plenty of them. Oh, you meant the country’s issues? There is such a divide between what I believe and how I make my own choices and the other side: politicians telling me what we all should believe and make choices.
It’s nice to read that I am not the only person out there NOT getting in the groove of this election.
September 9th, 2008 at 11:16 amPOLO POLO POLO POLO POLO!!!!!! I could not agree with you more and found this post to be the most refreshing “political” post I have read in a LONG TIME! GO CHRIS!
September 9th, 2008 at 11:17 amMe too!
September 9th, 2008 at 11:17 amPolo - I hear you…..and I feel the same. My first presidential election vote was a decade before yours…but, I’ve lost that lovin’ feeling too. There’s far too much “career” in our politicians, and not enough constituency. And, I’ll be voting for the same reason - not because I like, or even fully agree with, the candidate that I vote for, but because the other candidate scares me. And change - well, let’s hope it’s for the better, and not for the worse, because there sure as heck isn’t any guarantee either way. Did you watch the HBO series on John Adams several months ago?? Those first few congresses under George Washington?? A handful of men - who had other careers and livlihoods (imagine that!!!!), and were there for no other reason than because they cared about their individual states and the people in them. No lobbying!! No palms being greased!!! No political favors!! No committees!! No “junior senators”, “seniot senators”, etc., etc., etc. Just - I want to serve. And, I want to do it honestly, and I don’t expect anything in return. Wouldn’t it be something if we could recapture that, and get it back??? Ahh, enough of my soap box - just wanted to say I agree with you…….
September 9th, 2008 at 11:18 amI am SO totally with you on this.
September 9th, 2008 at 11:19 amPolo
September 9th, 2008 at 11:20 amyou said it.
September 9th, 2008 at 11:21 amPolo
September 9th, 2008 at 11:23 amYour not alone. Although I’m a Conservative Republican, I just can’t get excited about McCain. But the other choice scares me. So I’ll hold my nose and vote. The one glittering jewel in this years election cesspool (for me anyway) is Palin. I almost wish she were at the top of the ticket. I know libs & dems won’t agree with me, but I like her. I like her stand on things. Frustrates me to no end to hear other SAHMs who blog rag on her simply because her choices are different from ours. But I’ll behave.
Despite having her on the ticket, I’m still not thrilled with McCain. He’s too liberal for me, and has changed his positions more times than I can count. But the agenda coming out of the other side of this election, well, I just plain don’t like it. So… like you, I’ll be voting against someone rather then for someone.
September 9th, 2008 at 11:23 amthank you for this post. this is exactly how i feel, but was unable to put into words. in fact, i copied the link & emailed it to my brother who is a big time obama supporter. i like you will vote against someone, just not sure who yet!
September 9th, 2008 at 11:23 amPOLO!! Great post.
September 9th, 2008 at 11:25 amPolo. Definitely, definitely Polo. You said everything I’ve been thinking for months.
September 9th, 2008 at 11:32 amPolo.
September 9th, 2008 at 11:34 amI am pretty interested in this election. So, it is hard to not bust out my reasoning for choosing one candidate over the other. However, you have to think about the issues that are important to you. Health care? Education? Taxes? That’s what you need to look at. Not who you voted for last time or if you even voted. If you don’t think abortion and freedom of religion are important don’t consider those issues on which to side. You must vote based on your life and how you want your life to be. Who you think will do the better job for you, your family and ultimately, the country?
September 9th, 2008 at 11:35 amPolo…
September 9th, 2008 at 11:38 amPolo.
September 9th, 2008 at 11:43 amPolo…
September 9th, 2008 at 11:47 amthere are lots of us out here in this wasteland, those on the right and left just seem so much louder…
Polo!
September 9th, 2008 at 11:48 amAs a mom of five, I was especially excited to hear about the doubling of the child tax credit from McCain. Of course, the issues are key, but I have to admit, that one line put McCain over the top for me.
September 9th, 2008 at 11:48 amSince nobody ever matches up perfectly with my views on the issues, I tend to be an “against” voter as well, so that really resonated with me. I just wish people could stop taking politics so personally. I wish everyone could understand that there is no one correct way to vote. What hope does our country EVER HAVE if we can’t agree and disagree respectfully?
September 9th, 2008 at 11:49 amWell said.
September 9th, 2008 at 12:02 pmPolo!
September 9th, 2008 at 12:02 pmI first want to say I have been an avid reader for a couple of years… and am delurking just to say I could not agree more with what you are saying!
I typically vote against someone as well… In spite of watching and reading all of the political hoopla… I am torn… I care about the issues… Some I agree with one, some I agree with the other. What it will come down too is the issues that are important to me that I feel a difference can actually be made. And honestly, an agenda is one thing… being able to do something about it is something different entirely.
September 9th, 2008 at 12:03 pmAh, politics…a bunch a smoke and mirrors. You’re not jaded, you just have enough clarity to see it for what it is. That’s why I love your blog:)
September 9th, 2008 at 12:03 pmI learned a LONG time ago that there are two major issues you shouldn’t argue over. Religion and politics. People have strong opinions on both, and rarely if ever can you get someone to change sides. So, you are either preaching to the choir (forgive the pun), or its an exercise in futility.
September 9th, 2008 at 12:05 pmPOLO!
September 9th, 2008 at 12:10 pmI’m with you. It can be easy to be swept up… and an odd feeling when you’re not swept completly toward or against one side.
delurking from the wasteland to shout a big POLO at you. you have put my exact thoughts into eloquent words. thank you. also, i’m first!
September 9th, 2008 at 12:10 pmPolo…You are not alone, I too am here in that vast wasteland and wishing that I could actually vote FOR a candidate instead of just against the most objectionable candidate.
September 9th, 2008 at 12:13 pmWow! Thank you. I feel exactly the same way. I even blogged about it yesterday. But I must say, you put it so much better than I could have ever hoped to do.
I have no idea who to vote for in November. That doesn’t mean I’m “stupid, ill-informed, and don’t care about our country.” It means I just haven’t decided which evil is lesser yet.
September 9th, 2008 at 12:14 pmVery interesting post. I do wonder if there is just a small window in one’s life where they can feel passionate about politics and actually believe one of the candidates will make a difference. I am in that stage now, but I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, waiting to get excited about someone, see them get elected and then watch them break my heart. I’m young enough that I’ve never seen “my” candidate win and then trample my hopes. So it is with unabashed optimism that I say, without question there are others like you standing in a wasteland, and I sincerely hope the Obama campaign finds a way to present itself to you in an appealing manner, that allows you to give a vote for something, as opposed to just against someone else.
But if not, ahem, I keep coming back to your lovely site thinking “is this the post with finished kitchen pictures????”
Impatiently waiting on the internet. Happy Tuesday.
September 9th, 2008 at 12:16 pmYes. I’m very tired of being put in a “group” during these elections. I’m a woman. I’m a professional. I’m a mother. I have aging parents. All I want to hear is WHAT people plan to do. Don’t just bring up the topic and say the other candidate isn’t talking about it. Say what YOU plan to do along with some basics on how you think you’re going to ACHIEVE the goal. It’s so annoying when they focus on personal stuff and not the future of our country and how we’ll get there.
September 9th, 2008 at 12:16 pmLet’s see, I can think of a few reasons why you should be less apathetic and care more. In fact, I can think of SEVEN of them. Because when you and your husband are long gone, they’ll still be here picking up where you left off.
Oh and btw — The Obama camp’s battle cry is “Yes We Can.” Not, “We Can Do It.” You’re definitely thinking of Bob the Builder. I know Bob can build things, but he certainly can’t build legislation or help build houses for people with seven kids in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans who can’t put fresh, inventive “recipes” on the table or take artsy photos of their kids frolicking through the daisies on a spring day. What I can stand is people’s opinions. What I can’t stand is people’s myopic view.
Stephanie,
OKay, maybe I misspoke on the “We Can Do It” thing, but “Yes We Can” is what Bob the Builder says after asking, “Can we build it?” And really that was an aside anyway, not something that is going to dissuade me from voting for Obama.
Who says I don’t care? I do care. If I were apathetic I wouldn’t vote at all. Or think about it. And how do you know if my view is myopic? Because of what you have percieved in what I write about on my blog? Or is it because you are still pissed off about the Jug O’ Pee post. Yes, you can change your name but I still can tell it is you.
I haven’t said one word about the particular issues that are important to me. This was on purpose because I am not interested in debating on my blog.
What I can’t stand are people who are self righteous.
September 9th, 2008 at 12:19 pmPOLO!!
I feel the same way, although I have made up mind for whom I am voting. Can’t say I am excited. I do remember voting for Clinton and being excited. This time I just feel like it is a big game where the rules constantly changed without warning.
September 9th, 2008 at 12:24 pmPolo!
Although I do tend to lean a particular direction, for the most part I look around at the people and wish that it were all over already. These things, the issues not the mudslinging garbage, should be focused on and discussed all the time not just when it becomes convenient to highlight it for political purposes.
September 9th, 2008 at 12:31 pmI am so with you, I used to be all into the political thing, this year I’m thinking maybe I should just arrange to be out of the country or something.
September 9th, 2008 at 12:40 pmPolo!
I make sure I’m informed on the issues, but I find myself voting against someone rather than for. And I agree, that’s sad.
September 9th, 2008 at 12:40 pmFor whatever it’s worth, this Obama supporter doesn’t think that at all, in spite of the fact that this:
describes me quite well this year with respect to Obama.
But then I’m married to a *whisper* Republican, so I have some practice at agreeing to disagree. In fact, one of the things I truly respect about Obama is that he seems (from his book — not so much the current political rhetoric) to realize the need for compromise around a lot of these issues.
I have certainly been in the place where I didn’t much care what any politician said, because I was pretty sure they were only saying what the focus groups and the campaign strategists and the script, er SPEECHwriters told them to. I can’t explain why I feel differently this time around, but I do, and you’re right, it does feel better.
Whichever side of the fence you’re on, or whether you’re straddling it absolutely, I hope you can find something to be enthusiastic about this election season. Because hopelessness is a downer.
September 9th, 2008 at 12:40 pmPolo! I hear you - there are a lot of us lost in this particular wasteland.
September 9th, 2008 at 12:52 pmI know what you mean. I don’t like to discuss politics with anyone but my husband for that reason.
Maybe you are a cynic, but you got there because so many politicians say one thing and then do another when they get to office. So we’ve stopped believing them. And it doesn’t matter which side they’re on. They all eventually disappoint us.
And I hate how I only get excited when I’m mad at the other side.
I guess I’m a cynic too.
September 9th, 2008 at 12:52 pmHey I completely understand. I’m usually more on the Democratic side of things, but when I hear each side demonizing the other…I cringe and think, it’s a good thing politics aren’t really that important to me. I -can- see some of the arguments behind Republican policies, and although I’ll never be a single-issue voter (pro-life/pro-choice/gay marriage) I can understand how people feel so strongly about that.
September 9th, 2008 at 1:00 pmI’m more likely, like you, to vote AGAINST someone (for me, Palin, simply because I’m a librarian, and if I have a single issue, it’s Don’t Ban Books.) But I don’t have a problem with McCain- he seems like an okay guy bogged down in politics. And Obama too- whenever that was- long ago, that he was answering questions and did the little “brush that dirt off your shoulder” gesture- it cut through all the rhetoric for me and I thought maybe I’d like to hang out with his family sometime. He seems like an okay guy too.
I understand completely, I hae no passion at all this coming election.
September 9th, 2008 at 1:01 pm“A career politician is a career politician”
September 9th, 2008 at 1:03 pmAmen to that! I feel the exact same way. Voting to me is choosing the lesser of two evils.
Word, homie. I voted in 1992 for the first time, and I remember how ELECTRIC it all was, and how we all thought it really MATTERED who won. Now it seems all anyone cares about is who’s RIGHT, and ain’t nobody really right. I am exhausted by the two sides tearing each other down and trying to make the other side look bad, like elections held by the Seventh Grade of America. What happened to candidates of character? What happened to voting for someone to LEAD us in the direction we OUGHT to go, not just giving lip service to what we think we want? What happened to the Fireside Chats that served to make us MORE informed instead of rhetoric that seeks to keep us submissive?? I am too tired for all of it, and I just can’t get worked up over either side. I’m way too busy being annoyed at them ALL.
September 9th, 2008 at 1:15 pmI am here in the wasteland with you as well. I am not excited about either candidate. I find many things about both candidates that I do not like, but nothing I love. I watched the debates, I heard their acceptance speeches but still nothing. I will continue to search out the issues and facts until election and will most likely also vote against, not for someone, hoping to choose the lesser of 2 evils.
September 9th, 2008 at 1:23 pmI’m right here with you, disgusted by just about all of it. Also can’t stop thinking about Bob the builder. Clearly nobody who works for Obama has a 2-year-old boy, or they might have chosen a different slogan.
September 9th, 2008 at 1:24 pmI wonder if it’s an age thing?
Because I’m 23. And I’ve never really gotten into politics before, and all those things you’re describing about Perot & Clinton is exactly how I feel now. I’m beyond excited. (And super nervous about the alternative…)
I’ll probably be just as jaded in another election or two.
September 9th, 2008 at 1:40 pmWhat irks me, is that later you’ll hear people say “well, I would have voted for so and so, but I thought that would be throwing my vote away.” If everyone actually voted for who they thought would do the best job, we might have better people in office. That of course is more of an issue in the primaries, since by this time they’re narrowed, but my point is that if in the primaries people had voted for who they wanted rather than settling for who they thought would win anyway, we might have ended up with a different two candidates. Possibly even one you could vote for instead of having one to vote against. And don’t even get me started stupidity of the primary process as it is now.
September 9th, 2008 at 1:53 pmOh thank God I am not alone.
POLO.
September 9th, 2008 at 1:53 pmDelurking to say right there with you…I am sick of seeing blogs with “Republicans are stupid” or defending opinions when you know that they are just that…your opinion.
September 9th, 2008 at 2:03 pmChris, I love your blog and have been reading for ages. I’m a grad student in Vancouver, Canada and a big fan of your writing. I’m finally coming out of the woodwork to say hello because I feel so strongly about the upcoming US election and I know lots of other Canadians who feel the same way. I understand where you’re coming from and how easy it is to feel disillusioned during election season (a federal election was just announced in Canada, I know the sentiment well), but Americans have to get excited about this election because it is SO important. I wish the whole world could vote with you because the outcome of the US election has repercussions around the world. From where I’m sitting in Canada, I find it hard to believe that there are actually 2 choices, because to have another Republican government seems ludicrous, in my humble opinion. I have to wonder if Americans know how they are perceived outside of the US with the way they approach politics. I think I’m writing more to the many responses you’ve received since posting, because I am seriously scared after reading them that the rest of the world might be in for another 4 years of Republican conservatism. And it’s hard to fathom.
September 9th, 2008 at 2:07 pmAgreed. I sure could get behind a strong 3rd party candidate.
September 9th, 2008 at 2:07 pmYeah! Where IS Ross Perot?! I thought I was the only one who remembers him. Nice post, Chris.
September 9th, 2008 at 2:07 pmMost definitely Polo.
September 9th, 2008 at 2:14 pmPOLO!!!!
I agree with everything you said! I feel bad for not having much interest in the election. Apparently there are alot of us out there. I’m tired of voting for one person just because I hate the other one.
September 9th, 2008 at 2:16 pmIn regards to one comment….
Obama is not going to go down to the lower 9th ward in New Orleans and build houses. Sure, he has gone down and “toured” the area… with no other than State Representative Jean-Paul Morrell, who is one of my best friends. But touring that area, just as McCain “toured” the “command center” in Jackson, Mississippi isn’t going to change anything.
My biggest concern is that the President does not necessarily make ANY changes. CONGRESS does. Since the 1960’s we (as a general public) have re-elected 95% of Senators and 85% of Representitives to Congress. And then we all sit around and wonder, “Where is the CHANGE?”
September 9th, 2008 at 2:16 pmWOW…..we need to get those oil rich,war hungry republicans out of office…..but what is our alternative….like you, I dont know who is better…or worse.
September 9th, 2008 at 2:17 pmPOLO with a capital P. Thanks for speaking up for those of us who don’t think either party has all the answers. You’d think they would try to talk to us since we’re likely the ones that will decide the election. I’m hoping the debates settle it for me, otherwise I just don’t know.
September 9th, 2008 at 2:30 pmEXACTLY!
September 9th, 2008 at 2:38 pmI was just thinking about this the other day…what IS it about politics that makes people so smug? They’re smarter and worth more than me because of their candidate choice?? I don’t get it, and I so agree with you.
One candidate scares the crap out of me, the other scares the hell out of me…so, I’ve decided crap is better than hell. It’s sad when so many of us have nothing else to base our vote on besides that.
September 9th, 2008 at 2:42 pmi am an american living in london, and this is the first time i have been excited about an election. i almost want to use my absentie vote. just the fact that it had so many milsestones reached the first woman to really make an impact the oldest potential candidate in history and the first african - american. the possibilities were endless for the first time it was like america had a real choice and while these candidates might not be everyones cup of tea it is refreshing to see different things in politics. And for once it looks like certain sections of society have someone that resonates with them.
September 9th, 2008 at 2:44 pmand just think this will open up the door for a candidate that will resonat with you.
Wow - a decade (or more?) older and I’ve been through this cesspool of voting against the ‘other’ candidate for several elections now. This time I’ve forced myself to consider exactly what I like about each candidate. And - surprise, surprise - I found that I liked a lot about both of them. No jumping down my throat, puh-leeze, but both are closer to the middle than previous matchups have been. And that’s why each had to pick veep candidates that are more polarized! I still haven’t made up my mind, but I do know that I’m voting FOR a candidate this year and not against the opposition!
September 9th, 2008 at 2:54 pmThank you for that. How incredibly written. : ) As a newlywed with no babes (and an avid reader of this blog) and a family that is crazy into politics, I have been trying to figure out how to tell them politely…I’m not telling you who I’m voting for, I’m not telling you…NAHNAHNAHNAH BOOBOO!! So I think I might just print this entry out and post it to my forehead and walk around family dinner like that for awhile. Maybe, hopefully, that would shut them up. For just once. But I doubt it. A girl can hope though. : )
September 9th, 2008 at 2:56 pmI’ve been looking for words to describe how I’m feeling politically. THis is it. Exactly.
September 9th, 2008 at 3:02 pmI’m w/ the large group of us now yelling “polo”…..
September 9th, 2008 at 3:04 pmPOLO!
September 9th, 2008 at 3:15 pmI am so aggravated. While I think McCain is moving in the right direction, I still have this thought in the back of my mind that we will be duped again, just like we were with President Bush. What a disappointment. That’s an understatement.
I see my Libertarian husband trying to convince himself that McCain is a good choice. I don’t think there is any doubt he’s a good man. But president? I’m not convinced.
And Obama, well, we need more taxes like we need a hole in our collective heads. So he’s out.
I just hate that it’s come down to voting for the lesser of two evils. I don’t think that is what our founding fathers had in mind 200+ years ago.
I say the Constitution Party and the Libertarians need to get off their butts (I’m preaching to myself here) and end the two party system.
Ok, I’m off my soap box and joining you in the wasteland.
Or maybe they figured Bob the Builder works so well for 2 year-olds, that the same would work for voters if they emulated it in a slightly more mature way.
September 9th, 2008 at 3:28 pmOh dear. It is much easier to get into American politics when you watch from the other side of the ocean. They are all career politicians and career politicians are what they are, but how anyone could vote Republican is beyond me. This is why I don’t blog about politics either, unless it’s Italian politics.
September 9th, 2008 at 3:31 pmPOLO!
September 9th, 2008 at 3:37 pmI don’t trust any politicians. It makes it very hard to vote. My husband and I will probably cancel out each other’s vote!
Well, I don’t know who the heck “stephanie” is, but I LOVED the jar of pee story. “stephanie” needs to lighten up!
September 9th, 2008 at 3:49 pmExactly.
I don’t blog about politics because I just can’t get excited about it. I’m not stupid, ill-informed, and don’t care about our country… I am just tired of the rhetoric, and don’t feel like much will change.
September 9th, 2008 at 3:50 pmMy only concern in an election is that women vote. Not that you vote the way I may want you to but that you exercise the right to vote (hopefully as informed as possible) that was so hard won by the women before us.
September 9th, 2008 at 4:00 pmPolo! And during the whole DNC whenever the crowd started chanting, “Yes, we can!” My husband and I would break into into song, “Barack Obama! Can we fix it? Barak Obama! Yes, we can! Scoop, Muck and Dizzy, Roley, too…” It’s probably the most hyped up we’ve been during this whole election so far.
September 9th, 2008 at 4:02 pmChris,
On one hand, I totally get where you are coming from. However, for me, voting has become a simple exercise in “Who hates my family less?” I have one little girl (so far), and I also happen to be a lesbian. For us, it’s complicated by the fact that my partner isn’t American (you need to watch those scary Canadians), so even keeping my family together is a struggle. I won’t bore you with our sob story, but it’s a matter of self preservation. One party actively hates us, and holds us up as an example of what’s wrong with America, while of the other I can be assured of maintaining the status quo, with a small side of tolerance.
September 9th, 2008 at 4:04 pmJust had to read the comments to see how many “Polo’s” you got. But I lost count way back there;D
September 9th, 2008 at 4:25 pmWhile I have major concerns on the direction of our country and do think the parties are very different, my major concern is how divided the country is. It is more divided than anytime in my 71 years and that definitely concerns me. I sure
can’t tell all the youngsters how to play in the sand pile, but nevertheless I am concerned. All I can say is “Play nice now, ya’ll,” I am, after all, a southern lady.
Yes! Issues are NOT black and white. It’s harder than either of them make it out to be.
Thanks for speaking your mind. I appreciate your struggle with this and know what you’re feeling.
Meow Stephanie, meow!
September 9th, 2008 at 4:37 pmI hear ya! Please be my neighbor. This is my least favorite time to live where I live. Presidential elections tend to bring out the worst in people…well it tends to make them feel holier than thou and think there is only one answer. I find that people voting for McCain think that the rest of the world has no morals.
I wish they would take away the Republican and Democratic names. I think people stop listening and end up voting just because of a parties name.
September 9th, 2008 at 4:43 pmA-men sista. My sentiments exactly.
September 9th, 2008 at 5:00 pmThere is a name I have heard for this years election…”Electile Dysfunction”!
September 9th, 2008 at 5:16 pmYour political mindset reminds me so much of my ex-boyfriend’s. And that is by no means a bad thing. He is still a friend, and will forever be one of the most intelligent, most educated people I know.
Sadly, I think my own political views have a lot to do with the state I moved to a year ago. I have seen the other side of the fence and liked it a lot better. It wasn’t corrupt and I didn’t pay 10% sales tax.
September 9th, 2008 at 5:27 pmI’m an Obama supporter, but I can see why people are on the fence or going with the other folks.
Here’s why I’m voting for Obama though:
September 9th, 2008 at 5:29 pm1. Energy
2. Health care
3. Social programs
4. Amtrak
5. Tax plan.(even though I fall in the 2% of Americans who will be taxed more under his plan).
I don’t know you…but I love you…you are so right!!..I have just been turned on to your blog by my daughter, but i so enjoy your humor and your REALISTIC outlook on live…
September 9th, 2008 at 5:57 pmPolo, ditto, all of it!
September 9th, 2008 at 6:08 pmPolo! Amen! How did I miss this post 2 years ago?
September 9th, 2008 at 6:13 pmI am right there with you, sister! Both sides just tell everybody what they think they want to hear, but what will REALLY change when either of them is elected? I’ve actually thought about not voting in my first presidential election since I started (92 also, by the way!), but I always remember my high school civics teacher’s phrase “If you don’t vote, you can’t complain.” I just can’t get excited about it.
September 9th, 2008 at 6:21 pmLong time reader, first time poster…
Polo/Amen/whatever…I’m sitting on that fence with you (and it looks like a lot of others) and dealing with the same types of people in my life, it seems. The ones who think you’re stupid for not being completely over-the-moon with a candidate. Those people who are no better than the candidate bashing ads they have on T.V. ugh.
September 9th, 2008 at 6:23 pm1992, that was a good year, huh? My first election too, and boy was I excited that my vote counted!!! Ah, man, I remember those debates, and yeah, I thought Ross Perot was nuttier than a fruitcake. I didn’t vote in 2000, and have regretted it ever since. I have voted “for” someone every time since, though not as excited as I was back then. I guess I was young and naive. I miss Bill. :op
I am more than a one issue voter and it bugs me when people make it all about Iraq, or abortion, or taxes. Can we consider all the issues, people? I vote for whose ideas are most in line with the issues that are important to me. And I’m happy to say, this year, Im excited again.
September 9th, 2008 at 6:49 pmPolo!
September 9th, 2008 at 6:52 pmI dislike the self-righteous ads that both parties put out, that say nothing about what they will do for me, only how the other party is wrong. Don’t tell me what they will do wrong, tell me what you will do and let me decide if it’s right or wrong. When did it become that voters are perceived as too ignorant to make a decision about their own values and standards? Shouldn’t there be a law? tee he, just kidding
Polo!
Someone else mentioned Ron Paul. I liked his stance on letting states decide on certain issues and following the Constitution more. Well enough so that I voted for him in the primaries. Not that it really counted…
I see both sides too. Obama is cool and different, McCain is more what I’m used to (Republican), and Palin interests me. I’m kinda bummed Obama didn’t pick H. Clinton, that could have made the VP debates very exciting.
And yeah like someone else said, I feel the president doesn’t matter so much. Where’s all the stuff Bill Clinton promised (health care, etc)? The Bush years haven’t been rosy but the current mortgage crisis has been years in the making. Just a few examples, I’m definitely not trying to point fingers or start a fight. It’s all such a crapshoot.
September 9th, 2008 at 7:14 pmWell said! I just said to my husband a few weeks ago, was I excited about Bill Clinton in ‘92 because I was young and clueless (voting for him at 18 years, 2 weeks was my very first ballot cast), or if he was running today would I be just as bored with him as I am with my two current options? Am I so jaded because I still feel like Obama stole the nomination from Hillary? Yes, there’s a lot of Tracy Flick in me. Bottom line, I’m totally disinterested and call me apathetic, but I’m strongly considering not voting at all.
September 9th, 2008 at 7:26 pmit is a shame that so many folks can’t identify with the candidates. Our nation is at a critical juncture and the views of the candidates on major issues are quite different. i don’t think either of the candidates is perfect, but i definitely am aligned with the policies of the dems and will vote that way.
September 9th, 2008 at 7:50 pmI’m with you Chris - I have no idea who to vote for…there are things I like about both candidates and things that scare me about both candidates and ultimately I don’t think it really makes that much difference. If the entire US govt got sucked into a black hole tomorrow, I do believe the world would just keep right on spinning.
September 9th, 2008 at 8:09 pmPolo!
Four years ago I kept thinking that no one I heard talking was really FOR either candidate, they all just HATED the other one!
I keep thinking if only we all had another option! One that people LIKED, instead of the lesser of two evils.
September 9th, 2008 at 8:18 pmWell said Chris… there are many of us standing in the waste land with you. I only hope people finally get fed up enough with voting against someone and start voting for third party candidates, candidates who they can truly believe in. It’s time for a real change and although both of the big two have good intentions and may actually believe they can make a difference, I don’t think their parties will let them.
September 9th, 2008 at 8:20 pmI understand what you’re saying and have been there. Yes, it’s frustrating. Yes, a politician is a politician. And that’s the way it will probably always be, but the part of me that hasn’t given up, that believes in hope, in a better America, in the goodness in others, the desire of even politicians to somehow make life better, thinks of movies like “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” I’m holding out, not giving up, because to do so would be too depressing.
Even if I don’t agree with people’s views, I can respect their passion. Why should it offend me? That’s what this country and many of its strengths were built on. People believing strongly in someone or something, enough to stand up for it, fight for it if necessary.
And I know you do intend to vote, but just to give you something to think about, perhaps to feel slightly more excited about simply voting (if not the candidates themselves). It made me think, anyway, when someone sent it to me…
“HOW QUICKLY WE FORGET (IF WE EVER KNEW)
September 9th, 2008 at 8:54 pmThis is the story of our Grandmothers and Great-grandmothers, only 90 years ago!
Remember, it was not until 1920 that women were granted the right to go to the polls and vote.
The women were innocent and defenseless, but they were jailed nonetheless, for picketing the White House, carrying signs asking for the right to vote.
And by the end of the night, they were barely alive.
Forty prison guards wielding clubs and their warden’s blessing went on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of ‘obstructing sidewalk traffic.’ They beat Lucy Burns, chained her hands to the cell bars above her head and left her hanging for the night, bleeding and gasping for air.
They hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell, smashed her
head against an iron bed and knocked her out cold. Her cell mate, Alice Cosu, thought Lewis was dead and suffered a heart attack.
Additional affidavits describe the guards grabbing, dragging,
beating, choking, slamming, pinching, twisting and kicking the women.
Thus unfolded the ‘Night of Terror’ on Nov. 15, 1917, when the warden at the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia ordered his guards to teach a lesson to the suffragists imprisoned there because they dared to picket Woodrow Wilson’s White House for the right to vote.
For weeks, the women’s only water came from an open pail. Their food, all of it colorless slop,was infested with worms.
Then one of the leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike, they tied her to a chair, forced a tube down her throat and poured liquid into her until she vomited. She was tortured like this for weeks until word was smuggled out to the press.”
most definitely POLO here! Sadly,and fruitcake isn’t all that bad.:)
September 9th, 2008 at 8:57 pmKate 1:00 p.m. posting: If you will investigate things, you will learn that Palin did not ban any books. That list has been traveling around for years and some of the books on the list were not published at the time she supposedly ‘banned’ books. The mudslinging sleeze is what I abhor. And this is one of those things.
September 9th, 2008 at 9:05 pmeverytime my husband hears that s he logansays…”can we do it? Yes we can!” from Bob the Builder
September 9th, 2008 at 9:24 pmI’m sorry you feel this way.
September 9th, 2008 at 9:35 pmPolo!
September 9th, 2008 at 10:04 pmI feel like we are voting for the lesser of two evils. Neither candidate excites me.
Polo!!! There is a Ross Perot.. his name is Bob Barr.. you should check him out. He is fighting pretty hard to play ball with the big boys!
September 9th, 2008 at 10:33 pmEven though I have chosen which side to be on, I am not excited about this election. Like so many have said, “It’s a lesser of two evils.” I did get excited during the Primaries but my person didn’t make it so I am stuck with what was left over and scared to death of both choices.
September 9th, 2008 at 11:02 pmI’m in complete agreement with Robin from Canada. Yes, the system is near total dysfunction, but a lesser evil is still quantifiably less evil, and that’s definitely worth voting for.
I thought the 2000 election didn’t matter. Boy, have I snapped to attention now…
September 9th, 2008 at 11:41 pmPolo here too. It’s not so much that I like or dislike either candidate; more that I don’t like how rabid people can get about it. I hate to hear how the fate of our country hangs in the balance with this election. They said that in 92, they said it in 2000. Neither time did the country implode on itself. It was all still politics as usual. A president can promise change, but if he doesn’t have the rest of Washington behind him, he won’t get far.
I am only excited because this election will be historic, no matter which side wins. And I can claim to be part of it. I’m not truly convinced it matters which side wins.
September 9th, 2008 at 11:55 pmwhat i am most crazed about is the playground mentality of the candidates. i don’t care what they think about the other candidate they are running against, i want to know what they will do if they are elected. i’ve come to look at it this way, if a candidate can only point the finger at the other guy, them maybe i should be looking and listening to the other guy. lordy, i wish i could just tell them, “grow up, put on the big boy/girl panties and tell me something i need to hear about how you will help this country.” ok, venting and ranting is over……
September 10th, 2008 at 12:09 amWow! This is an amazing response. You have clearly touched a chord here. I feel bad about it because I guess I am one of those people who feels very strongly about the election, and I am going to vote for someone who I do believe in with my whole heart now (although before the primary I was very passionate about someone else). And personally, even though I totally disagree with the other side, I actually do feel that they feel as passionately about their issues as I do about mine and that is the beauty of our country. I hope you do find the passion though. I think it is important for our kids to see us be joyful about something as critical as our democratic system, but then again, it is hard to fake it. Thanks for your post!
September 10th, 2008 at 12:49 amOhhhhh, MARCO. I get it!
I couldn’t figure out why you’d titled your post “Macro”…
September 10th, 2008 at 2:09 amSadly, I am also voting against the lesser (I hope) of two evils. Glad I found your blog.
September 10th, 2008 at 2:40 amI absolutely agree with your post. I have nearly had to stop reading certain blogs because their vehement and actually insulting insistence that their candidate is the ONLY possibility really turns me off. And comments like “I’ll leave the country if the other guy wins” make me think that perhaps they would feel better about living under a benevolent dictator, so they didn’t have to deal with all the “idiots” who are “too stupid” to see things “the right way”. A democracy means that everyone gets one vote, to indidate which candidate represents their ideas best and then the candidate who can best represent the majority of the people is the winner. And we all have to be good losers (and winners) and accept the result. It doesn’t make someone stupid because they live a different life from your own and look for different things in a candidate.
September 10th, 2008 at 3:22 amFrom a British point of view, U.S politics are insane to me. The dirtiness of the fight is unbelievable at times. But in regards to your post, I hear you loud and clear. We have the same problem in Britain between Labour and the Conservatives, in the sense that often, there is very little difference between the two and the manipulation of the public is laughable. But I must admit, if I was a U.S citizen, I would definitely be voting for Obama, because McCain and Palin (Palin especially) stand for everything which I disagree with.
Peace
September 10th, 2008 at 4:56 amPolo.
September 10th, 2008 at 6:23 amIt’s all terribly tiring isn’t it, and i’m not even in America! Makes me pretty glad i’m not, around election time. Seeing every point of view and considering a decision like that intelligently is very taxing, and that’s probably why alot of people just see the blacks and whites - it’s easier. Not better certainly, but easier.
Politics even in the UK just makes me want to become a hermit.
POLO, POLO, POLO! As I read this, I kept saying to my husband, this is exactly what I say to you about politics and the current candidates all the time! Let’s just hope the lesser of the 2 evils will turn out better this election that it did last time.
September 10th, 2008 at 8:09 amAt home, my husband and I can complain about our kids, but if anyone else does I’m sure to get defensive. The reason being - We love them no matter what! That’s how I find myself as I read these posts. Even when I read the “other side’s” views, I think hmmmmm…… smart comment, good point, nice post, but when I read comments from other countries bashing our system or candidates I feel my claws come out!
September 10th, 2008 at 9:25 ami read this whole thing thinking the title was MACRO (i was up late…drinking margaritas…on a tuesday night…and i have to work today).
then i got to the end and finally figured it out…..
POLO!
September 10th, 2008 at 9:31 amMaybe I’m the eternal optimist
I am just blown away (in a good way) by the amount of people who were discussing this election in record numbers (well, before the mudslinging started a few weeks ago. Wasn’t this the campaign that was going to be civil?)
I hang out with tons of college students and hearing them wrestle with the issues and watching them get involved is just, wow.
You know, elections are the part of being a citizen that is always difficult. The getting your hands dirty and researching the issues on your own (instead of reading circulated emails and listening to the pundits) and making your best effort to vote from your head and not from your gut. Because this country deserves thoughtful consideration and not identity politics. It is what we owe the country as responsible, engaged citizens.
Both sides have been spreading misinformation. Palin? Never banned books. Obama? Will only be raising income taxes for families that make over $250,000 a year.
I guess the one thing that I regret about modern elections is the laziness I often see about researching the issues. It’s not as if this stuff is rocket science in the internet age. Snopes.com is the easiest place to start. Factcheck.org and Politifact are only a mouse click away. Instead, we buy into the drama that the political parties drum up and treat elections like they were a football match. We only want to believe good things about our team and don’t bother researching the other team, because we might lose the sense of superiority that buoys our self-esteem.
That’s the only part I regret.
September 10th, 2008 at 10:07 amI totally feel this… POLO.
uhm Chris for president?
September 10th, 2008 at 10:52 amI just read through a lot of the comments about being stuck in a wasteland and voting against somebody and yadda yadda yadda. It makes me feel bad for all these people that can’t get excited. That just see hopelessness. What downers you are!
I’m one American that is really really excited this time around, and it feels good! I’m happy to be here, to be able to vote, to have the rest of the World watching what we choose to do and say to the international community. I think it’s exciting, and an honor, to be part of it all.
No debates from me…just trying to bring a little life to this party
September 10th, 2008 at 11:44 amPOLO.
September 10th, 2008 at 12:14 pmI spoke with an old college friend who is now a high school history teacher and he mentioned how much more interesting class is for him in an election year, and he said he liked both candidates. I said, that’s funny because I don’t like either one of them, but since many brave citizens before me DIED for my right to vote I will do so with reverence for their sacrifice and without complaint. I have made my choice and can only pray that God will bless our country despite our utter disregard for Him.
Tammy
I think others around the world care very much about this election, because American politics touches their lives. The mortgage foreclosure crisis is hurting financial markets around the world. Britain sent troops to Iraq. American tarrifs on softwood lumber purchased from Canada devastated the logging industry in this country in the ’90’s. Because of the far reaching implications of who is elected, people the world over feel comfortable (rightly so) talking about the candidates, despite not being American.
September 10th, 2008 at 1:30 pmAll I can say is that you are fantastic and here here!
September 10th, 2008 at 2:30 pmChris-Thanks so much for this. Not being passionate about either candidate doesn’t mean that you don’t care, aren’t informing your kids of this responsibility, etc. I have had to stop reading some blogs recent because, ‘White women are stupid’, ‘How can I live in a country where people believe things vastly different than I do?’ UGH.
And to Tammy H @ 10:25: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. Seriously…Some of the comments were bugging me and I couldn’t put my finger on why, but you stated it perfectly.
September 10th, 2008 at 2:34 pmWhat a bummer that so many people feel this way.
September 10th, 2008 at 2:56 pmTaxes, environment, energy and immigration are issues that affect us all every day. I hope everybody finds a passion and decides to read more about their candidates, and find a candidate to support. No, no candidate is perfect. But surely there’s something to make you vote FOR someone, rather THAN against the other one.
PLEASE??!!
Chris - Polo!
I read your blog almost daily but rarely comment. I love your blog and this post. I enjoy the blog in part because you save the pepper for your recipes and don’t use it to spice your blog entries with policial innuendo on a regular basis. I like that this post is honest, witty and somewhat sarcastic about politics today. The older I get the more I realize that there are no easy answers to the age-old questions and there are no quick fixes. People can promise all they want on the campaign trail but the Washington political machine seems to determine what actually happens.
From the comments that have been posted so far,I think it’s safe to say that this blog is safe for those of all political persuasions. Those “safe” places seem to be more and more rare on the Internet as the race heats up. Thank you!!!!!
Sincerely - Alison
September 10th, 2008 at 3:21 pmPOLO!
I too will be forced to vote for the lesser of two evils. Not because I agree with them, but because the other one scares me to death!!
Maybe the ballot should read …
Obama
McCain
I’d like to start the process over and get different choices
(I’d pick the 3rd choice myself)
September 10th, 2008 at 4:04 pmPolo!
This is fabulous. I usually vote for a third party candidate when there is one I believe in. The thing with the issues for me is a level of compassion. Like you said it is NOT black and white, it is a rainbow - vast. And there are generally points from both sides that I can a do believe or relate to.
Anyway exactly how I’m feeling…
Thanks for sharing,
September 10th, 2008 at 5:13 pmHeidi
I’m not feeling the Marco/Polo thing at all. In fact, it seems very cut and dried to me. Last time it seemed the lesser of two evils, even though more evil ended up winning. This time, it seems obvious to me. *shrug* In my particular state, my vote won’t matter anyway. Stinking electoral college.
September 10th, 2008 at 5:23 pmI think one thing to think about is your feeling about abortion, because one big thing that’s going to happen for the next president is the opportunity to appoint at least one more Supreme Court judge. If you are even remotely pro-choice, you’re going to want to vote for Obama. To me, that makes a big difference.
September 10th, 2008 at 6:37 pmI just skimmed the comments, but it appears only one person could say why they were voting for one person, not against another. So sad.
Polo.
September 10th, 2008 at 7:59 pmI believe in voting for the PERSON you believe in, rather than the party. Issues change with time; policies change as the world changes. But character stays the same, and it is what motivates the decisions of the leader.
I want a president who is hard-working, honest, moraled, dedicated, and intelligent. I want someone like McCain who has shown through his career and his actions that it is about more than him - it is about serving his country.
I am a passionate voter because I really do care about the direction the country is going in. I know McCain personally, and though I understand that if you only watch him on TV, you have no way of knowing this - but I can tell you as an “insider” that he really is the person he appears to be on TV…there is no front, there is no facade - he really does say what he means, and he really cares.
I am also passionate about helping women to shatter the glass ceiling - I am so excited to see Palin on the ticket b/c she is not just a woman, but a mom like me. The perspective that she can bring to Washington is unprecedented! I am definitely voting FOR a candidate this year!
September 11th, 2008 at 1:05 amI agree with Robin from Canada and Lindsay (and others).
This election is not only important to Americans but to the rest of the world. A lot of countries are hurting because of the effect of the policies of the Bush administration. The US is afterall a superpower so the person in the top job is as important to the rest of the world as s/he is to the citizens of the US.
Everyone I speak to has an opinion on the US election so it is of major concern to a lot of people outside the US.
I also understand how jaded a lot of you must feel - watching the coverage from the other side of the world is annoying enough, I can only imagine how hard it is to live it all the time for months on end.
September 11th, 2008 at 1:24 amI agree with “readersguide” about the only thing that really matters in the election (abortion), which is why I am definitely not calling out “Polo”, I’m calling out “Palin!”
September 11th, 2008 at 1:28 amYikes! There is too much at stake not to care!
September 11th, 2008 at 6:05 amChris, I love your blog, and I’ve never commented before, so hello!
I’m really really excited about this election. But I have a serious, I’m confused, I want to know question: Why are people frightened/scared about Obama?
September 11th, 2008 at 6:09 amUmmm … let’s see: the war in Iraq; the deficit; Roe v. Wade; fair labor standards; the environment; alternative energy production; our dealings with non-Christian nations; race relations; do I need to go on as to why we should not be apathetic???
September 11th, 2008 at 6:11 amAnnie - I am not “frightened” of Obama, but I do worry about his character. I have read his first book, and got the strong sense that he is a man who is insecure on the inside, and yet overly confident on the outside…if placed in a position of great power I think this combination could be disastrous. I also don’t like how he has no compunctions about white lies… Finally, I hate how he snubbed Hillary - I believe he is misogynistic.
September 11th, 2008 at 10:47 amI think some people here are missing the point. The apathy doesn’t come from the lack of issues, it comes from doubt that any of them will be magically solved by voting in either one of the choices we have been offered this year. It comes from being aware that neither person can represent ALL of the diversity in this country. It comes from recognizing that the problems won’t be solved by one man or one election. It comes from believing that no matter who gets voted in, most of Washington will be business as usual. It comes from expecting to be disappointed at some point, whichever one wins.
September 11th, 2008 at 12:19 pmChris, thank you, thank you, thank you. I felt compelled to de-lurk for the first time after reading this post.
I’m certainly not apathetic about our upcoming election, but unlike past elections, the choice I will make still leaves me feeling a bit uneasy. I know who I’m casting my vote for because this candidate holds my beliefs in a majority of the issues I feel are important.
However, the “I’m right and everyone else is wrong” mentality of many candidate supporters is completely exhausting and make me want to crawl into a hole and not come back out until well past November 4th. I’m all for open discussion and debate, but it seems that whenever I overhear conversations or look at blogs with political threads this is not what’s happening. Instead, it’s the “majority” ganging up on whomever it is that doesn’t agree with them. Hey, free speech unless your ideas are different than ours! It’s very sad really. And made worse and more exhausting by the fact that my husband and live in a US city that is known to vote primarily for one party and we support the other. I’m so tired of people ASSUMING I endorse a certain party and starting conversations with “Isn’t Candidate X a tool?”
You can’t escape it. Not even at the PTA meeting this week.
**Sigh**
September 11th, 2008 at 2:54 pmSeriously, can we just get rid of the parties!! No more democrats, no more republicans everyone votes for the candidate they choose because of the issues not because they are of their party or because they like them better but don’t know the reason why. I’ve asked several people their reason for voting for one or the other and every time I’m met with something stupid that doesn’t matter! Gotta love those who vote for someone because “they look better in a suit, or because they don’t like McCain’s shoulders” or “because Cindy McCain is prettier, or because McCain has a woman running with him”. Find some real reason’s people!!
It’s all a big high school prom king/queen vote…. popularity contest anyone? Lets forget about the issues and focus on who looks cooler or drives a better car like back in high school!
My vote is for NEITHER until someone decides to dig their heads out of the dark stinky place!
September 11th, 2008 at 3:27 pmPOLO!!!
You are NOT alone!!
September 11th, 2008 at 3:35 pmPOLO!!!!
September 11th, 2008 at 4:53 pmReading this post and your comments makes me cry. I just got back from registering voters in a black neighborhood in MS with two friends and their 2 yr old blonde girls–we’re all white. We were followed out of the neighborhood by a guy with a large pistol. i don’t know if he was trying to intimidate us, or if he always carries that in his pjs, but it was bad. I was out there trying to help them–to help get someone in office who can help make life better for folks who need help–Obama. I agree with Robin from Canada: after 8 years of Bush, how could people even consider electing someone who votes the same way? Who doesn’t care about the environment? Drill, baby, drill?!! Did you hear the Fresh Air spot with Thomas Friedman this week? Very interesting to listen to–he mentioned how McCain skipped out on an important vote on wind energy for the 4th time or so, and it lost by one vote. And McCain was IN Washington. Anyway, I could go on and on, but I am so sorry to hear you and so many of your readers don’t know who to vote for. It seems so clear to me–I just don’t get it.
September 12th, 2008 at 12:30 pmI just wrote a blog post about instant-runoff voting, and thought I’d mention it here. I think a lot of the problems we face as voters is caused by our current voting system.
September 12th, 2008 at 3:14 pmhttp://wrongshoes.com/?p=464
I don’t “go there” on my blog either. or Twitter. It just brings out the worst in people.
September 12th, 2008 at 3:33 pmNope, not with you at all on this one. I will proudly cast my vote for Obama this November.
September 13th, 2008 at 12:22 amYou worded that quite well. I’m standing in the wasteland along side you.
First time here to your blog. Made my way over from Domestic Accident. Nice to “meet” you.
September 13th, 2008 at 8:25 amI love your blog, Chris, but how the majority of your readers who commented here don’t know who to vote for is beyond me. Have you LISTENED to Palin? Has anyone read a paper lately?
Several of my friends intend to leave this country if McCain gets elected. Palin must have been the worst choice possible.
When I saw Obama this week my heart jumped. So, fine, if you feel like you have to vote AGAINST someone, do it, but there is someone to vote FOR.
WAKE UP!
Chris says: I am sure they are the same people who said that they would leave the country if Bush was elected. And yet…
September 13th, 2008 at 2:33 pmI will only discuss politics with people who can be rational about it. When people get all jazzed up and attack me because of my views, I end the conversation.
We all have one vote. Let’s all get out there and use it, and cut all the crap.
September 13th, 2008 at 4:50 pmP.S. Wow, you get so many comments. It took forever to scroll down here!
Great blog.
September 13th, 2008 at 4:51 pmI have never been as hopeful or excited about a candidate as I am for Obama. My brother in law worked with him personally, and I have met Michelle, here in Chicago. They are good, honorable, and extremely intelligent and hard working leaders. I am convinced that Barack is the best choice for the future of our country–our children’s country.
September 13th, 2008 at 8:28 pmActually, many thousands of people left the United States after Bush was elected–I’m one of them. The 2004 Bush election wasn’t the only reason, but it was certainly a factor. US-to-Canada immigration rates have risen significantly since 2004, so maybe some people were just talking, but not everyone. Here’s a chart to prove it (well, it doesn’t prove the cause, since they don’t ask you that when you emigrate. Still, the numbers are dramatic:)
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/statistics/facts2006/permanent/12.asp
I can understand the election exhaustion, though, even just from following the news from up here, and even though I support one candidate passionately. For one thing, the whole process takes soooo verrrrry verrrry looooonnnnng….
September 13th, 2008 at 11:42 pmI’m with Robin, Cristen and the like. It isn’t necessarily about one issue for me- but certainly several combined. I could appreciate Palin bring a woman’s perspective into the White House, but it isn’t enough to vote for her. I don’t care about the candidates being black or a woman. I care about the issues at stake- which makes my choice easy, really.
I recently posted about this very issue.
September 15th, 2008 at 2:00 pmhttp://www.fourplusfourequalsten.blogspot.com/2008/09/politics.html
I just wanted to let you know that you inspired me to write a series of posts about why I’m voting FOR Obama.
September 18th, 2008 at 1:29 pmHi Chris,
September 19th, 2008 at 7:09 pmI love your website and have read it daily for years. This is the very first time I’ve disagreed with anything you’ve said. I am much more excited this election than ever before in my lifetime (even ‘92!). I actually feel that we have the most psychologically stable and amazing person to vote for, and one who thinks like me about most issues. I don’t know if you’ve read Barack’s books, but I think you might find yourself interested in a different way if you did. For the first time in my life he makes me want to LISTEN to the “other” side, and admit that they have a point, and they are just as interested in improving this country as “we” are. After years of just being angry at Bush, this is very refreshing to me.
Anyhow, just had to add my .02. I, for one, cannot wait to cast my ballot for the person I truly believe in.
Well, I voted for Al Gore ….yes I did, Way.Back.Then. (as did several citizens if I recall correctly) Lot of good that did me.
And yes, I vote for Republicans too at all levels of government (but I have to admit I am so selfishly thankful that I did not vote for George Bush).
For the first time in many a year (and more than likely I am the oldest commenter), I don’t think I’m going to vote. I have to vote my conscience, and I just don’t think I can vote. And it doesn’t sit well with me.
I am sincerely afraid for America’s future…regardless of the election’s outcome.
I know there are those who absolutely hate FDR…but his leadership helped turn the country’s econ around…. how I wish we would elect/find a leader who could help this great country.
September 19th, 2008 at 11:39 pmHi-o!
September 24th, 2008 at 1:11 pmPopping back on to say that, I have spent the last several years with my head in the sand because my kids are so little and, well, the only thing relevant to my existence was getting through the next five minutes. This election, though, I have pulled my head out of my *ss, largely because a very good friend of mine and I disagreed on some fundamental political points. When I realized I had no facts to back up my pontifications, I started reading. And, reading. And, reading. Now? I’m so horrified by the prospect that our country might really elect McCain, I write about politics frequently on my blog. My feeling is that, yes, I may alienate people but there really is too much at stake *for our children’s generation* not to educate ourselves and get involved. And, Obama has a HUGE problem if he can’t even reach the Moms out there. That is scary to me. Sorry. Just my 2 cents. Peace to all.