If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed.
After being silent on the topic for a very long time I think its time to open this topic up..
You ready for this?
Who are you voting for and why?
And don’t be shy, more than 30,000 people read this blog every month and you might just be able to make a good point to them about why they should vote for your guy.
43 responses so far ↓
1 Erik // Oct 26, 2008 at 7:08 am
I really wish the two candidates had more defined stances on where they stood on sustainability and developmental issues. In this election I am only able to vote my moral convictions of life and traditional marriage. I will vote for the candidate that values the life of the unborn, after all, life is the common thread that gives us all the opportunities to live, dream and make a difference. To my family and me the candidates position on life and the rights of the unborn are paramount to any other social position.
2 phil // Oct 26, 2008 at 7:42 am
I am voting for Obama because we need to get out if this mess and fast. McCain is not that man.
3 Joe // Oct 26, 2008 at 9:03 am
I want to travel abroad and no longer feel like I have to immediately to defend my reputation as an American by explaining that I’m from California and we’re different. I want a President who is smarter than me and sounds intelligent when he speaks. I want a President who is closer to my age (31) than my grandparent’s age (84). As a teacher I want a President who will actually look at the data regarding No Child Left Behind and I hope he will see we’re creating a generation of really good test-takers at the cost of critical thinking skills. As a brother of two soldiers currently serving in the Army (one in Iraq) I want a President who I feel will have their interests at heart and make decisions to lead us out of the mess we have allowed our current leaders to create. As someone concerned about our environment and energy policy I want a President who will listen to scientists and data first, business, industry, and economists second. On many issues our nation is standing at a point in history where the decisions we make today will have lasting effects (economy, health care, education, energy policy, environment, and international relationships). I want a President who is rational, levelheaded, and doesn’t use polarizing issues like gay marriage and abortion to get votes and rally support when we have bigger issues to tackle. As the polls numbers started slipping, the McCain campaign has demonstrated this will not happen under his Presidency…especially when they brought Palin on board.
In terms of our President I’ve loathed every moment of the past 8 years. He and his administration have been a global embarrassment who have left messes our generation will be fixing for the rest of our lives. I gave him a chance after September 11th, but quickly found myself cringing every time his name was mentioned. I fear a McCain administration will simply be a continuation of the past 8 years.
So, for all of the reasons above I proudly voted for Obama…two weeks ago.
4 Shane // Oct 26, 2008 at 10:39 am
I’m voting NO on Prop 7.
Although it looks good on the surface for the advancement of renewable energy, the fine print kills it.
It defines qualifying renewable energy sources as those 30 mega watts and above. This small caveat will crush the solar industry and leave room only for BIG SOLAR. (The largest online photovoltaic plant in the US is 14 mega watts to date)
This would be a huge hit on roof top solar installations and put small solar business on the chopping block.
Oh, who are you voting for?
my bad
5 Brody // Oct 26, 2008 at 1:58 pm
I’m not voting. And no I won’t complain about it later.
6 Sean // Oct 26, 2008 at 5:01 pm
I believe we need a shot at change.
Weather or not Obama is going to bring the change he speaks of is still up in the air for me. But one thing is for certain McCain is not even trying to talk of changing the things that need changing.
I agree with Joe that traveling as an American is no longer what it once was, but that is just the beginning, our economic policies are hurting not just this generation but several to come and need to be rained in and made right. We are watching the unfolding of the greatest empire in history and that does not have to happen.
I am voting for Obama not because I believe he is sent from Heaven and will do no wrong but because McCain is so far from understanding what needs to be done that its never going to happen.
7 Andrew // Oct 26, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Obama!
8 Jason // Oct 26, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Bob Barr. As a fiscal conservative - I am sickened by what the GOP has become.
I am ashamed of what President Bush has done to the country (and our international image and stated by others) McCain has a whole other set of problems that keeps him from getting my vote.
The Republicans need a butt kicking in all facets to get the clue that they are completely off track. Hopefully an Obama landslide and a filibuster proof Senate will send the message.
The Republicans where crushed in 76 to set the groundwork for Reagan and a rebirth in 80…
9 Jill // Oct 27, 2008 at 6:08 am
I to am a fiscal conservative, I feel that a smaller government is better for all of us. However I can not stand behind the failed economic policies of the past 8 years. Nothing McCain has said would lead me to believe he is going to do anything different.
I am saddened by the fact that I voted Democrat for the first time in my life but believe Obama will do me proud.
10 Andrea P // Oct 27, 2008 at 6:18 am
Bob Barr? I had never even heard of the guy until now….. Why would you run with zero chance of winning?
11 Doug // Oct 27, 2008 at 7:59 am
Which is less bad? We don’t have good options. The medical system needs reform, but socializing it isn’t the answer. Raising cap. gains and dividends taxes may discourage main street customers from investing. I belive in womens rights, but I also believe that unborn babies have a right to life. Obama is a good speaker, but I don’t think he good enough to negotiate with Muslim extremists. McCain was one of the worst candidates on the Repulican ticket, but he’s still better than Obama.
It’s 2004 all over again…Bush vs. Kerry. Not much of a choice, but Bush was less bad than Kerry.
btw…Is Obama even an American citizen??
12 Jason // Oct 27, 2008 at 8:26 am
Andrea: Bob Barr is a former Republican running on the Libertarian ticket. He definitely does not stand a chance - but if he pulls enough votes from Republicans - the GOP might go back to the drawing board… which is my ultimate goal.
That is why he gets my vote.
(Do you think it is too late for a primary do over? A Romney v. Clinton race doesn’t seem so bad anymore).
13 erica // Oct 27, 2008 at 9:22 am
Doug, is this a serious question?
“btw…Is Obama even an American citizen??”
Obama was born in Hawaii…and his mother was from Kansas. Do you honestly believe that he would be running for president if he wasn’t a citizen? That’s one of the requirements, you know. I’m really blown away by the ignorance of this comment.
14 Doug // Oct 27, 2008 at 9:48 am
I know that’s what he says…but when asked to provide a copy of this birth certificate, he or his people will not provide it.
Question everything.
15 Dan // Oct 27, 2008 at 12:41 pm
1A = so worth it. We won’t be in these tight economic times forever, and we need to invest in the future of our state and city now.
It is expensive, but high speed rail in California is necessary for California’s growth and is long over due.
Sac to Los Angeles - 2hr 17min
Sac to San Jose - 1hr 20min
Plus a huge boost to Sacramento’s Downtown having a major trasportation right in the heart of the city. (short walk from GOOD too)
16 Brody // Oct 27, 2008 at 12:43 pm
I think it’s cute that everyone who wants to be cool is voting for Obama. I’m just not that trendy. Sorry.
17 Dan // Oct 27, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Morals
I’m morally more aligned with the McCain, but is morality the primary responsibility of government anyway? We ultimately answer to higher authority there… (or if you are an aethiest/relativist, then it doesn’t matter anyway right?) Okay, I don’t thing that giving hand outs shouldn’t be the responsability of government either…
Change
It’s so hard to know what any candidate will actually do when in office. I think that Americans will feel like they are getting a real change with Obama. That just might make all the difference for future of our country.
Small vs Big Govermenment
I think the question is really if the people have control. The current situation is that corporations have more power than the government, and they are not accountable to the people. So more government (which is accountable to the people -at least a little) to keep the corporations in check isn’t sooo bad. (IE the credit crunch = lack of regulation + consumer greed) Hmmm, does more taxes = less dependency on funding from special interest groups (aka corporations)?
Environment
No On 7. No on McCain. Anybody know about Prop 10?
18 Lisa // Oct 27, 2008 at 2:40 pm
I am amazed at the polarization that happens when we all get to vote. Its as thought there are two countries here. Not three or four but two. You are all silly if you ask me.
And Brody what do you think people are doing to look cool with Obama? How is that? Im lost
19 Lisa // Oct 27, 2008 at 2:41 pm
And I have one more thing to add. Doug, do you really think that no one has seen his birth certificate? Where do you get this concept?
What the hell?
20 Joe Golett // Oct 27, 2008 at 2:55 pm
I am all for McCain. I like Obama but don’t believe he has the experience.
21 Steve // Oct 27, 2008 at 6:06 pm
When McCain chose Palin, he pandered in a very un-McCain way. Thankfully the evangelical vote has become more diverse, and we have young people of faith who find some good in policies that actually help the poor instead of trod on them with social darwinist, trickle-down economic policies.
I’m voting for Obama. Not because I’m drinking the Kool-Aid, but because I believe that we have a chance to reclaim our dignity as a great nation (as opposed to our current demoted status of war monger), that health care is a human right and not a privilege, and that, if people choose to work, they should not live paycheck to paycheck in defunct, decaying communities.
22 Brody // Oct 27, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Lisa, I wrote about it here.
http://brodyharper.com/2008/08/28/the-presidential-race-as-i-see-it/
23 Doug // Oct 27, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Lisa-why has the Hawaiian govt. and the Obama campaign declined to show proof that he was born in Hawaii? It’s a little fishy if you ask me.
Also, I’m not rich, but if I were rich I wouldn’t want my wealth redistributed by the government. And as someone who is not currently rich, I don’t want a handout either. A man who is able, should work for his livelyhood.
24 steve // Oct 27, 2008 at 8:35 pm
I wanted to vote for KJ and change, but he didn’t respond to the Sierra Club questionaire and I don’t have faith that he won’t push for more sprawl. Fargo has been alright and at least seems more open than that.
McCain lost all my respect in 04 when he stood by for all the Swiftboating and aligned with Bush. I don’t expect any maverickin’ to come from him. Too bad he didn’t win in 2000 - we would all be better off. GObama. I see some humility in Obama that we have been sorely lacking - I think he has the right motivations.
I’m going no on 10 - there are much better ways to get alternative fuels going than that.
25 levi // Oct 28, 2008 at 7:21 am
Ok I guess I better go myself. I held off in the post because I did not want to hold back the kind of discussion that took place here.
I am voting for Obama and here is why.
26 wburg // Oct 28, 2008 at 10:49 am
The Obama birth certificate issue is yet another application of the “Big Lie” theory: tell a lie enough times, loudly enough, and people (at least gullible people, who believe things when shouted repeatedly at them) will believe it is true.
Doug: You are either a liar or you have been fooled into believing a lie. The Obama campaign put a copy of his birth certificate on their site, and several reputable urban legend/fact-check sites have addressed the issue and found the claims that he is not an American citizens to be false.
http://fightthesmears.com/articles/5/birthcertificate
http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/born_in_the_usa.html
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/birthcertificate.asp
27 Ryan // Oct 28, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Too bad Gary Coleman did not run this time around like he did for Governor during the Davis recall.
28 Doug // Oct 28, 2008 at 3:38 pm
wburg and lisa-First of all, I posed that question to be antagonistic. I find it funny that nobody commented on weatlh redistribution (socialism), Pro-Choice stance (why do babies have to die for the mothers mistake), raising taxes on dividends and cap. gains on investments (recession is the worst time for that), and negotiation with radical Muslim nations (impossible). Wake up. Yes Obama is young and he speaks well, but he’s the worst possible thing that can happen to America. If he get’s elected we will have some change.., but beware what you wish for.
29 Donna S // Oct 28, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Doug - look around - the worst possible thing was named Bush. Already happened. Have you been following the news at all?
My vote goes to Obama because it is time for some serious change. Will he be able to do all he promises? Doubtful - no previous president has - but I’ll take his set of values over McCains any day anytime. I’m tired of the judgement hypocrisy of the “Religious Right”. The McCain ticket isn’t modeling moral behavior, they aren’t modeling family values, and they aren’t modeling a way to unite our country. I’m not seeing anything there I want.
Must admit - I’m shocked to see so many followers of Mr. “Drill Baby Drill” on this eco friendly site.
While we are putting it out there…
I’m voting No on Prop 8. MY god says thou shalt not judge. I would MUCH rather have my young kids living next door to a nice gay couple, than an intolerant judgemental family that wants to push their values on us.
30 Joe // Oct 29, 2008 at 5:12 am
Donna-
Thanks for your No vote on 8. I’m not looking forward to the possibility of a uninformed and distracted-from-the-real-issues public possibly invalidating my marriage certificate. Should it pass I am sure future generations will be as embarrassed as I was when I found out that even in California inter-racial marriage was illegal not too long ago and ironically for similar religious reasons.
…and “Drill Baby Drill….” that chant killed McCain’s chances with me. It just shows pure ignorance when even T. Boone Pickens thinks that’s not a viable option.
31 Brody // Oct 29, 2008 at 5:35 am
Here’s what I keep coming back to. This is the best we can come up with?!! This is America and the two best choices for the next leader of our country are these guys??
I’ve said it before and I will say it again. It’s like voting for a kick in the face or a kick in the crotch. They are both going to suck no matter how you look at it.
32 Doug // Oct 29, 2008 at 6:29 am
It’s sad that the Bush family has ruined the image of the Republican party. I agree Bush is probably the worst president in American history.
But, I’m still not ready for a Socialist government-Obama.
33 Donna S // Oct 29, 2008 at 6:32 am
Brody - I don’t agree that the race is Mac vs PC… ( I read your blog)
I think ANYTHING would be better than the stautus quo. I hope Obama surprises you.
I don’t see how one is a kick in the crotch or the face. The values they represnt are expremely different.
Also… Doug - voting on the “chance” that you may someday be rich, and Obama’s tax plan would affect you is hilarious - So you are voting against your hope to be rich… and voting for the Big business candidate to give more tax breaks to an elite world you aren’t part of. Do you see how this doesn’t make sense?
34 Steve // Oct 29, 2008 at 7:29 am
Doug, you admit to making antagonistic / polemical points but wonder aloud why no one is answering your posts?
I don’t understand the argument against wealth redistribution. Over the last 10 years, the GINI index has increased–proof that the gap between the rich and poor is ever-widening. When the poor become poorer, they have less money to fuel capitalism and, in turn, the businesses that make some folks very very rich.
We’ve become a country where working 50+ hours a week does not guarantee living above the poverty line. Our nation was founded on the edict that we are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Living in poverty, sending your kids to defunct schools, and watching jobs get sent overseas because of corporate greed goes against that ethos. Today, many Americans are taking a stand against these inequalities, and we are going to vote for the person who can make this nation a place where opportunity is truly within everyone’s reach.
35 Steve // Oct 29, 2008 at 7:30 am
Brody, cute post on your blog. I was hoping for something substantive, but instead read an entertaining, Mac-like marketing blurb. Can you go beyond conjecture?
36 Brody // Oct 29, 2008 at 7:38 am
Steve. Glad you liked it. That’s what I was going for. There’s just nothing substantial to say about this election. Sorry.
37 Micah // Oct 29, 2008 at 8:33 am
Obama for sure. McCain represents furthering the tired interests of big business and close-minded conservatism for conservatives sake. Clean coal, drilling anywhere and everywhere, and nifty hybrid cars that still use gas and all of its internal combustion motor parts to perpetuate the existing status quo sounds great doesn’t it? Wrong, we need to wake up. Wealth of experience i.e. age does not constitute knowledge or leadership.
Brody - You can’t just wish it were different and do nothing to promote change in the election. Come on, vote for something!
Steve - Keep talking.
Joe - I like that comment about T. Boone Pickens. It is incredible that a guy like that doesn’t get more mainstream publicity.
Doug - I appreciate that someone of a different opinion is reading our blog. I think you should keep coming back and we can continue a substantive discourse.
38 Craig Storm // Oct 29, 2008 at 2:46 pm
There is no difference between Obama and McCain - they have both sworn their allegiance to Israel, and are financially controlled by AIPAC. The only way to solve any of the problems previously discussed is to vote out the establishment… and VOTE THIRD PARTY!
Best of all, third party candidates are the only ones that have promised to rid us of the unconstitutional, privately owned banking cartel called the Federal Reserve.
39 Doug // Oct 30, 2008 at 8:34 am
Steve-”Our nation was founded on the edict that we are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” I agree. Think aobut this…why do you think so many immigrants are coming to this country? This is the land of opportunity. This country is a place where someone who has nothing, has the opportunity to attain something. There is growing gap between the rich and poor. But I don’t think welfare is the answer.
I grew up in the projects of San Francisco. My parents immigrated to this country from Central America. We were on welfare for most of my childhood. But I’ve worked hard and now have a good job that pays well. The key word there is WORK. For as long as I am able, I will continue to work hard. I don’t want my hard work to go into someone else’s pocket and I don’t want welfare.
If someone wants to live in poverty, it is his choice. If someone wants to send their children to defunct schools, it is his choice. If your job gets sent oversees, you have the opportunity to get another job or create the job you wish to have. So stop crying about 50 hours a week, because those who work 50 hours a week choose to do so.
I don’t want to live in an apathetic nation where nobody has the motivation to accomplish something great.
40 Ian M. // Oct 30, 2008 at 9:12 am
What bothers me most about this country is that addressing climate change is not first priority, and when it is addressed, it is skewed into “energy independence”. America is part of the global economy, be it sweatshop chinese toys for our children, poisoned mexican tomatoes, or even ‘terrorist’ oil. Our petty issues like affluent american women aborting fetuses, unbalanced tax rates for workers, religious crusades and dead-end wars will make no difference when the proliferation of bacteria and viruses of a hot earth involuntarily aborts all our children, the cost of water is more than it’s weight in gold, and Joe the Plumber slashes Jill the Baker’s throat for a loaf of bread.
A clean planet means a just, equitable society that will not be plagued by wars, drought and famine. If we address climate change, everything else will fall into place. No matter what your religious preference, we are all compelled to be stewards of the earth and our Mother is ready to whip us silly if we ever forget that.
No president, mayor, or proposition is going to affect global climate change. I like the new Kaiser Permanente billboards that say “Vote for Yourself”. We are all candidates for change.
41 dustin // Oct 30, 2008 at 12:08 pm
WELL SAID IAN, AND MIGHT I ADD, A LITTLE GRAPHIC : ) BUT IF THAT’S WHAT IT TAKES FOR US TO GET THE MESSAGE, SO BE IT.
42 dustin // Nov 3, 2008 at 3:34 pm
The Top 5 Reasons To Vote In California
Or: Why It Still Means A Thing Even If It Ain’t Got That Swing
Big margin = big mandate. The popular vote doesn’t put anyone in the White House, but it affects what presidents can do when they get there. Want Obama to be able to actually do the stuff he’s been talking about? Pass universal health care? End the war? Then we need a landslide.
The other things on the ballot matter! There are important issues on the California ballot this year, and progressives all need to weigh in. You better believe our opponents will turn out and vote on them. Also, there’s Congress. Without more support in the House and Senate, Obama will have a hard time getting progressive laws passed.
If you don’t vote, everyone can find out. Voting records are public. (Not who you voted for, just whether you voted.) Pretty soon, finding out whether you voted could be as easy as Googling you.
Help make history. You could cast one of the votes that elect the first African-American president. If we win, we’ll tell our grandchildren about this election, and they’ll tell their grandchildren. Do you really want to have to explain to your great-great-grandchildren that you were just too busy to vote in the most important election in your lifetime?
People died so you’d have the right to vote. Self-government—voting to choose our own leaders—is the original American dream. We are heir to a centuries-long struggle for freedom: the American Revolution, and the battles to extend the franchise to those without property, to women, to people of color, and to young people. This year, many will still be denied their right to vote. For those of us who have that right, it’s precious. If we waste it, we dishonor those who fought for it and those who fight still.
Live your values. Love your country. Vote.
Courtesy of MoveOn.org
43 Doug // Nov 19, 2008 at 8:35 am
Alan Keyes, AIP leaders sue in CA court to obtain Obama citizenship proof
Stop Secretary of State from certifying Electors
Special to The Union
Published: November 15, 2008
Presidential candidate Alan Keyes, vice-presidential candidate Wiley S. Drake, and the Chairman of the American Independent Party, Markham Robinson, have filed suit in California Superior Court in Sacramento seeking to bar Secretary of State Debra Bowen from certifying to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger the names of Electors, and from transmitting to each presidential Elector a Certificate of Election, until documentary proof is produced and verified showing that Senator Obama is a “natural born” citizen of the United States, and does not hold citizenship of Indonesia, Kenya or Great Britain.
In addition, they have asked that the court issue a peremptory writ barring Senator Obama’s California Electors from signing the Certificate of Vote until such documentary proof is produced and verified.
In response to questions about why the suit was being filed, Ambassador Keyes commented, “I and others are concerned that this issue be properly investigated and decided before Senator Obama takes office. Otherwise there will be a serious doubt as to the legitimacy of his tenure. This doubt would also affect the respect people have for the Constitution as the supreme law of the land. I hope the issue can be quickly clarified so that the new President can take office under no shadow of doubt. This will be good for him and for the nation.”
Former Reagan administration official Ambassador Alan Keyes and Wiley S. Drake were the 2008 presidential and vice-presidential nominees of the American Independent Party, which is the California affiliate of the new national America’s Independent Party.
Mission Viejo, California attorney Dr. Orly Taitz and United Justice Foundation Executive Director Gary Kreep are representing the plaintiffs in this case.
Copies of the court filing, along with further information concerning developments in this case, will be made available at http://www.AIPNEWS.com, or can be obtained by contacting AIP national chairman Tom Hoefling.
Leave a Comment