McCain vs. Obama

sillylilykitty · 08-30-2008, 08:31 PM

I will be voting for the first time this November. How do I find out the truth about what these two have to offer America? What does McCain have to offer and what does Obama offer? Pro's and Con's of both of them? Can anyone give me an unbiased opinion? I think I am a republican but I wont be voting for someone just because they are a republican, I would vote for a democrat if they were the better choice.

lovemygreys · 08-30-2008, 08:44 PM

I wouldn't trust just one site. Just start reading. A lot. Listen to what the candidates are saying (or aren't saying) and form your own opinion. Saying "I plan to have America independent of foreign oil in 10 years" doesn't mean squat if they don't tell us HOW.

Personally, Obama frightens the bejeeezus out of me. I wish McCain were younger, but he's crossed party lines plenty of times in his career and I think he'll stand up for what he believes. Even if I don't agree with him, I'd rather know a person grounded in principles and bona fide beliefs is in office rather than someone who sticks their finger in the wind and makes decisions based on popular opinion or what's best for "their career" or plans to be elected to the highest office in the land by chanting "Hope." - Hope doesn't solve America's problems. I'd like a little more substance...which I've yet to hear.

Welcome to the wonderful world of having to choose the lesser of two evils. The most qualified candidates don't run for President...too much hassle and probably an enormous pay cut.

I'd recommend some sites, but they'd all have a decidedly conservative or libertarian slant. Also, try to watch the debates if you can.

MyCharlie · 08-30-2008, 08:52 PM

I would say watch the debates - personally I think you can get a good feel for someone that way. Just be careful what you hear from people - most will slant things they way they believe and not give you the whole truth. It is hard trying to decipher what is the truth and even then, you don't always know the WHOLE story.

Another thing you can do is check out the candidates' web sites and see where they stand on issues and vote for the one that most agrees with how you feel.

Welcome to the wonderful (?!) world of politics! And I'm glad you're voting, either way!

drfong · 08-30-2008, 09:07 PM

I would suggest make a list of the things that are important to you, both right now and what you think will be 10 to 20 years from now. Then try to put them in order as to your priority. You can google search the candidates and specific topics to see whay they have said about them. You can look up their voting records on those topics. You also just need to listen to both of them and decide who you feel has the best chance of facing the tough issues ahead. McCain people will tell you he's great and obama's bad and vice-versa. The reality is they are both just men with very different world views. I would say that if you try, by the time 11-4 comes around you will be confident.

FilleBelle · 08-30-2008, 09:15 PM

This is obviously simplistic, but still a good introduction. Not to mention fun

Filnyyena · 08-30-2008, 09:58 PM

Good website

But, I must say, the questions are geared for biased responses..We learned about it in Stats class last year. They should be rewritten to something more neutral.. Also, on some of the categories, what Obama is saying is simplistic (no big words, one-two liners) whereas McCain uses large words and is a long paragraph..I know they are quotes, but I would prefer something more equal for the reason I just stated.

But overall, that is a good website.. Not something you should depend on, but interesting to see if you get your candidate

I did

cshellenberger · 09-01-2008, 02:01 AM

SLK, listen to what they do and do not say. Listen for solutions to problems and facts to back them up. Beware of vague responses or promises and lack of details.

All the other tips here are great. Just remember, no candidate is going to match your convitions exactly, you can only vote for the one that most closely matches and you feel is more qualified.

lovemygreys · 09-01-2008, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Filnyyena

Good website

But, I must say, the questions are geared for biased responses..We learned about it in Stats class last year. They should be rewritten to something more neutral.. Also, on some of the categories, what Obama is saying is simplistic (no big words, one-two liners) whereas McCain uses large words and is a long paragraph..I know they are quotes, but I would prefer something more equal for the reason I just stated.

Of course the questions aren't neutral - it's not intended to be a survey or a poll, it's a "candidate matching game." The primary issue with it is that you are trusting a third party site to accurately assess each candidate and match you correctly. The good thing about it is that the quotes they provide can be researched b/c they give you the day/event where the candidate is quoted. Unfortunately, candidates often have opinions that....um...change over time. Sometimes a short period of time, sometimes over a longer period.

MegaMuttMom · 09-01-2008, 09:26 AM

SLK, I hope that you know most of the answers you have gotten here are from people who are vehemently opposed to one of the candidates. Can you see the words they are using to clue you in to who they think is best? It is important to try to hear what words are being used when anyone talks about politics. It is hard to make up your mind if you don't have a strong opinion to begin with. The press and people always filter what they say through their own beliefs, including me. Good luck in keeping your ears open and un-biased!

sillylilykitty · 09-01-2008, 07:04 PM

Thanks everyone

I seem to lean toward McCain in all this research so far. I liked how McCain is trying to help with hurricane Gustav, he might not even show up to some of his republican convention because of it. But I will continue to look at both candidates and watch as many debates/speeches that I can on tv.

emily445455 · 09-01-2008, 07:04 PM

Interesting quiz....that does it, I'm not voting! Lol, I was about equal on both sides. Certain issues mean more to me...mostly abortion, gay marriage, health care, and the war...and I was 2 on McCain and 2 on Obama! Lol! Oh forget it!

FriendsOfZoe · 09-01-2008, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sillylilykitty

I liked how McCain is trying to help with hurricane Gustav, he might not even show up to some of his republican convention because of it.

Obama is bolstering his fundraising network to raise funds to donate to hurricane victims....asking his donors to give to the Red Cross instead of to his campaign.

Please don't vote for a politician because they help hurricane victims. Even George Bush helped hurricane victims (well, some of them, in Florida, lol).

Honestly, I'm not sure I could tell you how to figure out who to vote for. Since I was 6 years old I have had strong political convictions and it has never been a question for me about any candidate (including in democratic primaries). But I can start by telling you not to ask people on dogforums who to vote for, you need to figure it out for yourself.

cshellenberger · 09-01-2008, 10:49 PM

I think all in this thread has said the same thing. Every person has their own beliefs, only you know your heart and who most closely matchs your beliefs.