The Medieval Times
Presidential Candidates and the VoteFriday, January 25, 2008 By Jeremy Fuerte, The Medieval Times
With the California Primaries moved almost a month ahead to February 5, and with both the Democratic and Republican nomination so close, California’s vote means more than ever. In the Democratic race, the race seems to be divided between major change or experience. Hillary Clinton and Barrack Obama seem to be the top contenders, so before you vote, make sure you know what they stand for. Hillary Clinton and Barrack Obama have practically the same views. Clinton is planting her stand on the fact that she has the most experience and is most able to lead the country on day one. Obama is placing his stand on his ability and desire to lead the country in a direction of change. The republican race is wide open with Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney, and John McCain currently the top three contenders, but where’s the platform Republican? Mike Huckabee has little international experience. He has the Republican platform values and opinions (even though he believes as president he has no right under the constitution do deny same-sex marriage). The downside is he wants to open our borders to anyone. Here comes Mitt Romney out of the shadows. He has the same basic Republican platform views and opinions. He also believes in ending our dependence on foreign oil and promoting alternative energy. His opponents stress the fact that Romney’s stance on issues has changed dramatically within the last few years, both his stance on abortion and gay marriage. He’s a Mormon in a party which is typically scared of voting for anybody who’s not some form of a protestant Christian. Rise to the platform John McCain. McCain might just be the most experienced republican running and the most able to lead the nation on day one. He holds to the Republican platform except he thinks a ban on same-sex marriage is un-republican. The question is, “How can it be un-republican when the majority of republicans agree that the sanctity of a heterosexual marriage should be protected?” Republican Rudy Giuliani is betting heavily on the key big states like California and Florida, making our vote much more important. Rudy Giuliani is best recognized for his courage and ability to hold New York together after the 9/11 attacks. He has a history of reducing crime in New York, but his moral issues stagger heavily with the Republican platform. He’s pro-choice and pro-abortion and has little chance of winning over morally conservative Republicans. But more important than any of our candidates for presidency, their values and morals, their stands on issues, is voter turnout. So those of you who can vote in the primaries and for the presidency, go out and vote, and know what you are voting for and what he or she stands for. Everybody else who will be able to vote within the next four years, start paying attention. Our next president will either take us forward, or take us backwards, depending on what you believe. You may criticize America and the presidency all you want, but unless you go and vote, you have no right to complain. |