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The Spinward Marches

by Steve_Edwards from Los Angeles

Last Post 60 days, 3 hours Ago


Why do you?
Dec 2, 2007 | 1:51 PM
Category: Political
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Hi again

Think about it, why do you vote for a candidate? Let's say , for the presidency/

The political season is begining to heat up to the point where the non politically obsessed are starting to get involved. The viewership for the debates is rising (but let's not get carried away, when the cable channels brag that 4 million watched, it means a cool 296 million didn't!) and the rhetoric is getting louder.

I find it interesting and sometimes troubling to see how people judge candidates.
What I often hear is" I really like him( or her); does it matter how personable a candidate is; does that transfer to decision making, hard bargaining on the world stage, an unterstanding of markets etc.
How important is it to you that a person plays well on Oprah or Jay or Jon?
Some people vote as if they're selecting a pastor or deacon, someone who displays a perfect home life with a charming family and has good personal values: how does that translate to running the world most powerful nation at a time when the world has become so much smaller and infinitely more nasty and dangerous. Haven't some of the greatest leaders in history lived lives that are not right off of a Hallmark Card?

What is most important, where a candidate stands in what is called the culture war, on issues like gay marraige and unions, abortion, affirmative action, Terry Schiavo etc; or are these domestic issues that will always be in play or can you disagree on those issues and still vote for him(okay,her) anyway?

Is there one issue,Iraq, ilegal immigration, the economy that determines your vote?

When election day comes, there is aways a hugh push from the media to get out and vote. Most of the stations and companies i've worked for promote the get out the vote theme. and I find myself going against the grain. If we have to beg you, I prefer that you don't vote I don't think it's elitist to say that ...do you?

Those are my thoughts, what are yours?
My best
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Member Comments Total Comments: 40
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Paul_D read my blog
Dec 2, 2007 | 11:41 PM

my decision-making is based on several components. 1) which famous people are supporting whomever? 2)is the candidate really smart? 3) does the candidate seem sincere? 4) which candidate is endorsed by media? 5) which candidate's spouse impresses me? the problem i have is getting to the polling place. my one vote is not going to influence the outcome whether others vote or not.
Jean126 read my blog
Dec 3, 2007 | 8:55 AM

I always do enjoy listening to you and Dorothy discuss politics, even though the producers usually cut you off. The reason -- I like to hear different political views from my own.

I agree with you when you say the world is infinitely more nasty and dangerous these days. I also agree that most people base their voting on looks and rumors rather than facts and what may be best for this country. That's why I won't listen to movie stars. Just because you're rich and famous, it doesn't mean you've done your homework. I prefer unbiased opinions.

I love America. My father and brothers have fought and nearly died for it. I would today if I could. That said, I try to listen to the debates and discussions before making my decision. To be honest, the person I initially thought I was going to vote for may not be the person I choose in the end. I know they say every vote counts but I have to agree with you -- I'd prefer people didn't vote if they don't know why they are voting for a particular person. We may never get the whole truth about a candidate, but we hopefully get enough to make a decent decision.

My best back at you!
stonefleurs read my blog view my photos
Dec 3, 2007 | 9:17 AM

It is difficult enough to figure out who really cares about American, and not just the Bussiness of America. Our Vote is Our Voice. If You choose not to vote, You choose not to have a Voice. We just need a Real Candidate to Vote for.DO you trust the one voice for all of us? Do your homework, It's Our Country! Get YOUR VOICE OUT!!! ps love your show!!
Reader55
Dec 3, 2007 | 9:47 AM

I am of Hispanic decent and my family has obviously always voted as democrats. When I was first able to vote for a president at 21 I voted for Carter. But I must say I did agree with his views. The next time I voted for a president I voted as a republican and voted for Reagan and I agreed with his views.

I felt Bill and Hillary were huge liars and was dismayed when Bill won the first election and was extremely depressed when he was elected for a second term. What I learned though was that he wasn't that bad and we did not disintegrate as a country having him as our president.

In this day and age I strongly believe that abortion should be obsolete. As much contraceptives that are available today and childless parents yearning for newborns we as a country should have a better system for unwanted pregnancies. And the aftermath of the psychological damage of both father's and mother's that have decided to terminate their offspring. So obviously I do have a problem with being able to vote for a pro-choice candidate.

As of this moment I do not know which candidate I will vote for and deep down inside I am entertaining the fact that I just might not vote and just leave the burden on the rest of the country to figure it out and then just watch the next four years unfold.

I know I am more responsible than that so on election day I hope I am at the polls performing my civic duty but at this moment I am sadly apathetic.
WEBB1 read my blog view my photos
Dec 3, 2007 | 10:42 AM

STEVE,,,YOU ROCK,,,I THINK YOU SHOULD RUN 4 PRESIDENT,,,,YOU GOT MY VOTE BIG DOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"STEVE EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES IN 2012 A.D.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

WEBB1-OUT
stonefleurs read my blog view my photos
Dec 3, 2007 | 10:55 AM

Pro-Choice or NOT??? a very big question .The point IS.... CHOICE!!! We are afforded Choice! We are Americans! I will vote against the Candidate that will take OUR CHOICES away from us! We, who, color our hair, pierce and tattoo our bodies. We who get liposuction, or breast enlargements. We who try to cheat nature everyday! We have Choices, because We are Americans!!! Dont ever forget that!!My choice, is exactly that, MINE!!!!
samo714 read my blog view my photos
Dec 3, 2007 | 1:47 PM

my vote is going for hilary, and not because she could the be the first women president, but because, she seems smart, enough to do the job right, and because her husband is bill clinton. i mean who would a president want more on there side then a former president that did a decent job while he was elected. so she could always go to him for advice, unlike the other newbie's who wouldnt have a clue. thats pretty much why she's getting my vote.
mystere read my blog view my photos
Dec 3, 2007 | 3:08 PM

Steve,

I am so glad that you brought this important topic up. With all the mudslinging that keeps going on in the Presidential candidacy campaigns, I really hope that people study the candidates, and vote their conscience. If one is able to vote, and doesn't, then starts whining about how the country is going in the wrong direction, I consider that nothing short of being obscene. There are so many other countries that don't give their citizens any opportunity to be free; just look at what happened in Sudan where that teacher could have been executed for one teddy bear being named Mohammed! Now that is something I wouldn't want over here! And another example: those Venezuelan citizens kept that tyrant President of theirs (Hugo Chavez) from becoming a dictator by just a 1 percent margin. We don't need demon possessed sewer rat politicians like Venezuela's Chavez in our offices; we need to be vigilant, and keep voting!
crossmlov read my blog
Dec 4, 2007 | 10:24 AM

I am just curious to know what you said on Dec 4th around 8:50 when talking about the Catholic church. "Well, first of all, if you are a Catholic you are a _________". Steve you're great, just want to know what you said?
LATINAWOMAN read my blog view my photos
Dec 4, 2007 | 12:57 PM

I vote Hilary Clinton , yes partially because she is a Democrat and a woman . I believe she is a strong person and will not back down when faced with tuff issues . She is not ashamed to stand by what she truly believes . And yes samo, having her hubby Bill by her side can prove to be beneficial.
WordWise read my blog view my photos
Dec 4, 2007 | 1:01 PM

Steve:

I agree, to a degree...

The real drive should not be just to vote, but to take an interest in the world in which we live.

Voting for a candidate just because he/she is from your hometown, is a preacher, or has the coolest hair-do is a waste of a vote. Citizens should appreciate the opportunities this country provides to them. They should look within to determine the issues that are key to them, then they should scrutinize the candidates and their platforms.

It's unlikely we'll find a candidate who reflects our sentiments 100%, but that's where we prioritize and decide accordingly.

Being a reformed republican, I tend to agree more with the democratic candidates, though Paul presents good arguments, from the republican camp. The key, to my way of thinking, is finding the right candidate, regardless of party affiliation.

for more left of center thinking feel free to read my blogs, both here on MyFoxLA.com and at WordWise.MyBlog.com
Astro1153 read my blog view my photos
Dec 4, 2007 | 7:51 PM

Humm, I watch and listen as much as possible all along the election.

Once "The Jaded" have run amuck; If one candidate demonstrates their leadership skills, some level of responsibility, and character enough that will be the person I would vote for...

Otherwise, elimination by default...
IM3MUCH read my blog view my photos
Dec 5, 2007 | 8:50 AM

No it isn’t elitist to say that Steve, I take that exact stand and a few levels beyond. I truly feel that if a person doesn’t really study the ballot and do some of their own research on the candidates and come to a decision based on common sense and reasoning they should do us all a favor and just not vote! To me anyone that only votes one party or the other just for the sake of that party is really a closed minded buffoon. And anyone that votes just to say they voted and never read the ballot prior to go in the voting booth is an idiot and the real problem in this country. The best attorney’s in the world word the bills with the intent to mask what they really mean and they are mostly intended to just get more of the tax payers money! Personally if a bill asks for money I vote no and I vote try to vote for the lesser of two evils as president

Chris ocpunkrock.com
Moogie read my blog view my photos
Dec 5, 2007 | 12:37 PM

I am so jaded. I have had my ideals stepped upon so many times by the very politicians who espouse them, it just makes me look at politics as a board of directors meeting.

Nice spouses? It may just be better acting skills.

I will wait to see who lies the least.
erinlarson read my blog
Dec 10, 2007 | 9:01 AM

Hi Steve, Jillian and Dorothy!! I am a Registered Nurse and I think it is really funny that the New York Post called Oprah and Obama's "tour" together OMENTUM- which actually is the name for the structure that holds your intestines together!!- Well then I guess it fits!!
Have a great day....Erin in Redlands
sebar read my blog view my photos
Dec 10, 2007 | 5:29 PM

I guess the voting is with hopes we are getting the very best, but you know what they say Steve, "Scum Rises To The Surface" and unfortunately it seems that big money is financing corrupted scumbags into office these days.

American Author, Poet, Songwriter and Filmwriter "Mark Paul" Sebar
The Power To Write The Best!
http://www.sebar.com
The Sebar Literary Network
rallycry read my blog
Dec 13, 2007 | 1:33 PM

"(but let's not get carried away, when the cable channels brag that 4 million watched, it means a cool 296 million didn't!)"

That is SUCH a good point. It frustrates me to no end when I catch some yahoo on CNN quoting some demographic that is, say... 2 million viewers! Or 2 million buyers this Holiday season! My kids always say something like "Whoa... that's a LOT of people". And I remind them that it's a relative number. Out of 300 million, 2 million is really what... 1 out 150? That suddenly doesn't seem so "noteworthy". Great point.

Is there one issue? Hmmm...

Ya know, I have to say the one thing I'd like to see is a true diplomat. Someone who knows how to sit down and rationally think through a situation. And then respond appropriately. Unfortunately, I don't see that quality in the "top runners". Maybe Richardson... we'll see.
RaceNeked read my blog view my photos
Dec 19, 2007 | 11:24 AM

Ummmmmmmmm, why vote? It doesnt count any more anyway!
Twice in recent times, the presidency was decided in ELECTORAL VOTES; tossing out what the MAJORITY VOTE thought. Yes; usually the electoral and popular co-incide, but recently it hasnt. Presidents take office on the backs of the electoral, NOT popular any more.
Once more the popular vote was manipulated through legal channels to usurp, and gain office.
OUR GOVERNMENT IS CORRUPT!!!!!!!
REVOLUTION or DEATH...
gelatoprobono read my blog
Dec 19, 2007 | 1:48 PM

i thought i vote to cast my ballot for my electoral college voter. isn't that how the electoral college works?
gelatoprobono read my blog
Dec 19, 2007 | 1:49 PM

can I vote to have jillian and the other old chick with the freckles on her chest removed?
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Steve_Edwards

Steve has been the host of GoodDay LA for 13 years and counting. While it seems that he's been on LA tv for 60 years, it's really been since 1978. Steve's been the host of too many shows to mention but a few are: Am Los Angeles, Two on the Town, Live in La,: he has a closetfull of emmys, a star on Hollywood Blvd and looks forward (most mornings) to his time with Jillian and Dorothy, and yes, he reads a lot of the stuff you write!

Member Since: 7/4/2006


 

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