What is your process for selecting a presidential candidate?

[Smiling JOe]

Just curious -- What is your process for selecting a presidential candidate? Maybe you hear them in a debate, hear things about them on CNN or Fox News, maybe you actually go to their websites and read their reported beliefs, or maybe you google them, or run them through Wikipedia. Do you typically just grab onto the first one you hear say something you like, or do you actually research them all, even the ones which don't get much airplay by the major networks? Just curious. I've only just started actually researching candidates in depth, and I plan to read about each with interest. Just curious as to how YOU pick a candidate with whom to side.

 

[JustaLocal]

I use their websites, news, as much of the debates as I can stand, and other Internet searches. For instance, I like John McCain, but remember last time there was some point I felt was important we disagreed on. I tried to find what it was. I wish there was a candidate I agreed with 100%. No, scratch that & turn it around!

 

[WileCoyote]

This will be interesting !

Darts anyone ?

 

[NoHall]

Whoever sends me the nicest autographed glossy photograph. Her Royal Clinton promised cupcakes on her birthday, which is tempting...

I'm actually looking for the one who will offer me the least micromanagement, thereby the most freedom for me so I can spend the next four years minding my own business.

p.s. SJ, do you realize that Wikipedia is not exactly a great source for accurate information?

 

[scrltbegonya]

Try this - Select a Candidate Quiz 2008

 

[Smiling JOe]

p.s. SJ, do you realize that Wikipedia is not exactly a great source for accurate information?

As I understand it, Wikipedia info is derived from many online sources. Perhaps that means that not all of it is accurate. However, it can be a good source if you verify the content. At least it gives you a direction to search.

 

[Miss Kitty]

I usually wait until after the conventions. It really narrows it down.

 

[SHELLY]

Just curious -- What is your process for selecting a presidential candidate?

:shock:





.....this is FLORI-DUH--remember?

.

 

[Smiling JOe]

Oh, My! that is one funny photo, and it looks real, too! Scary!

 

[DuneAHH]

To the extent that I can stand...I read, listen, and research, both the good & the bad, on each viable candidate; discarding any information delivered in shrieking, bombastic, over-wrought tones ... or those that fall back on partisan generalities or devisive cliches. I don't give much credence to personal views that are always 100% glowing or 100% critical.

I take state congressional seats & potential supreme court openings into consideration ... seeking a balanced team rather than focusing on one partisan individual. This helps me crawl out of the "EVERYBODY SUCKS" abyss...truly...No 1 person can ever provide it ALL...it's just unrealistic to pursue that as a fantasy. I often vote completely opposite on the STATE level than on the FEDERAL level.

Then I create an excel spreadsheet (which I do for EVERYTHING because I'm adore Excel spreadsheets) listing pro/con particulars for each candidate/combination. Then I employ a "reverse" process of elimination. I make very few definitive decisions early in the game because I wait to see what the candidates do as pressures mount. (I recently got a bad taste in my mouth for a candidate I've supported for years due to a recent 'change' I find distasteful.)

Around Nov.1, I shut it all down, and round file all the crap I've gathered and get in touch with my gut. Because sometimes, no matter what all the "facts" show...sometimes your gut just says "NOT that 1".

Voting for the "lesser of 2 evils" is better than NO VOTE at all.
I ALWAYS vote, because I don't think one has the earned the right to biatch if they haven't voted. And I REALLY like the right to biatch. ;-)