What are swing voters waiting for?

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Permalink Reply by Deb New on October 8, 2008 at 8:26am

I'm not an undecided voter, but thought I'd chime in here. While there are certainly lots of questions about important issues like the economy, health care, Iraq,etc. I think about partisanship. I attended a community event last night to support some great groups and help “raise my civic IQ.” It was a panel discussion featuring politicos Steve Campbell, Democrat, Robert Vane, a Republican, and WFYI’s news manager, Mary Hartnett. WFYI was a sponsor with Indy Hub, Lacy Leadership and a number of community groups, including the Kelley School of Business alumni association and Young Professionals of Central Indiana. The question was raised about partisanship – and whether it was here to stay. I think they really meant the mean, ugly, divisive politics we’ve seen lately. Partisanship has been around since the Founding Fathers. If you’ve haven’t read about that period or seen the John Adams mini-series, hey, there was serious partisanship and divisiveness. The panelists provided a note of hope and great reminder. It’s OK to disagree – vehemently even– as long as you can take off the gloves, sit down and have a conversation for the greater good. Or, at least be able to talk about your favorite baseball team.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Seidle on October 8, 2008 at 9:13am

I want a redo on the whole election cycle. I can't think of two candidates who are both very good men, and very good politicians, but neither of which is the kind of leader we need right now. We need someone who is a way stronger leader than either McCain or Obama. Someone who can inspire the people and can force congress to get the job done.

That either of these guys hasn't pulled ahead speaks volumes to why people are undecided. The choice is clear: there really isn't much of a choice on the issues that matter. Here's what we get from both:

* A meager tax cut. Unless energy and health go down massively in price I don't know about you, but I'm going to need someone to lop off about 50% on my tax bill.
* Lots of handwringing but no movement on health care. Gadzooks, it costs too much!
* The war in Iraq will end at some time in the vague near future.
* Both will do a lot of fighting. They'll fight for the middle class, they'll fight for reform, they'll fight so you can have the last bagel at Panera.
* They both look presidential
* They can both throw mud pies at each other
* They both promise to cut spending.. while giving us all a new pony.
* More drilling, more alternative energy... someday

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Permalink Reply by John Qualls on October 8, 2008 at 10:41am

I agree the election cycle and selection criteria is broken. I don't like the way we have settled on selecting leaders in America. There is too much attention and energy put on the presentation versus the substance. Would you rather have a great leader who faces the hard choices for the greater good or great in a debate on television? Great at execution or great at marketing? I wish I knew where to point the finger on how we got into this superficial mess. I could point my finger at the media, but aren't they just giving the masses the game they want to see? Isn't that newsertainment? How did that happen?

I'd like to respect the House and Senate members, but after seeing the 'pork' feeding frenzy around the buyout, I'm disappointed.

I'm not sure if I like any of the candidates. Sometimes I wish there were 4 presidential and 4 VP candidates running, selected from popular vote. Then let America vote to decide on how to put them together. Might be an interesting game when you can't tear down each other because America may force you to work together (and you might be the VP) That might be entertaining and productive.

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Permalink Reply by Pat Coyle on October 8, 2008 at 12:59pm

It started with "un" conferences...maybe we could have an "un" election??

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