[jbock13]

If other, you may specify below.

[prototype]

I will support the republican I think could win. I would love for Mike Huckabee, just not sure if he will get the votes. Mitt Romney could pull in some from the other side and has a good history of handling deficit issues. Would love to see Palin get in, but don't see this happening in the next election. But I guess i would lean towards Tim Pawlenty - I think he is well rounded and they call him "Minnesota's Ronald Reagan" How can you go wrong with that?

[jbock13]

I will support the republican I think could win. I would love for Mike Huckabee, just not sure if he will get the votes. Mitt Romney could pull in some from the other side and has a good history of handling deficit issues. Would love to see Palin get in, but don't see this happening in the next election. But I guess i would lean towards Tim Pawlenty - I think he is well rounded and they call him "Minnesota's Ronald Reagan" How can you go wrong with that?

Pawlenty is very electable, but from what friends in minnesota tell me he is by no means any ronald reagan. But id vote for him.

[ALUmnus]

Wait a minute, just wait one minute....you used the list from 2008. Where's the 2012 list?

[jbock13]

Wait a minute, just wait one minute....you used the list from 2008. Where's the 2012 list?

I only included those who have launched 2012 exploratory committees and those who have not ruled out running again in 2012 from 2008. To my knowledge, Herman Cain would be the only one on that 2012 list.

[4everfsu]

I will vote for any Repub who runs against Obama

[From the class of 09]

I will vote for any Repub who runs against Obama

This is not a good thing

[ToTheLeft]

I will vote for any Repub who runs against Obama

This is not a good thing

There is a percentage of this country on either side just like that, tho.

Lynchburg, VA has a certain university filled with many people who share his thoughts. If it has an "R" next to it, and it's running against Obama, it doesn't matter who it is, they earn a vote.

Elections are never won or lost on these people. We could be living under the best democratic president ever, and they'd still vote against.

[jbock13]

I will vote for any Repub who runs against Obama

This is not a good thing

There is a percentage of this country on either side just like that, tho.

Lynchburg, VA has a certain university filled with many people who share his thoughts. If it has an "R" next to it, and it's running against Obama, it doesn't matter who it is, they earn a vote.

Elections are never won or lost on these people. We could be living under the best democratic president ever, and they'd still vote against.

Agree with you TTL. McCain is a perfect example of why primaries matter. I couldn't vote at the time but I couldn't stand either.

[From the class of 09]

a few great paragraphs, taken from a great address, from a great man.

I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the State, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally.

This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but, in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy.

The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty.

Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of sight), the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it.

It serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration. It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which finds a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another.

There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the government and serve to keep alive the spirit of liberty. This within certain limits is probably true; and in governments of a monarchical cast, patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of the popular character, in governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged. From their natural tendency, it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose. And there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be by force of public opinion, to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume.

Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice ? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.

It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to every species of free government. Who that is a sincere friend to it can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric?

[flamesfan30]

is that federalist paper #10 arguing against factions, written by madison?

[From the class of 09]

Washington's Farewell Address 1796

[ATrain]

I'll support Ron Paul, and forget being one of the sheeple voting for someone else just because he doesn't have a chance at the nomination and is a long shot to win. I'm going to vote for who I think is the best candidate, regardless of party affiliation, based upon their current views and their performance in any prior office they may have been elected to.

[prototype]

I'll support Ron Paul, and forget being one of the sheeple voting for someone else just because he doesn't have a chance at the nomination and is a long shot to win. I'm going to vote for who I think is the best candidate, regardless of party affiliation, based upon their current views and their performance in any prior office they may have been elected to.

Are you voting for him as an Independent or for the nomination? If he doesn't run as an independent or doesn't win the nomination - are you not going to vote Republican? I think you are saying the same thing as other people on this thread - just not saying it - Obama versus any republican, your going to vote for the republican. The system sucks, I wish we could vote on merit and individual beliefs, but our system doesn't work that way. We have to get the majority again and take the bad over the worst, because at the end of the day - Republicans share more similar values with Christians. My only fear is that we have a strong Independent that splits votes with republicans and somehow Obama slips through the cracks... Paul could do this running as a third party.

[From the class of 09]

While I definitely lean republican I could never vote blindly for a republican over a dem... If somebody like Newt (who has shown to be lacking anything resembling moral character) somehow got the rep node, I would have no problem voting for Obama.

[From the class of 09]

quote from Obama today...Obama explained: "I came to know Jesus Christ for myself and embrace him as my Lord and Saviour."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/fe ... ristianity

granted they are just words but thems the right words

[JDUB]

so are you saying that if they claim to be a Christian that's all it takes to get your vote? Do you look at any views on different talking points? Would you not vote for Romney because he is a Mormon?

Just trying to clarify your statement...

[From the class of 09]

No just pointing out that Dems in theroy could be Christian... and to vote for someone because they belong to one party is not a good position IMO (and George Washington's ).

But to answer your question yes I would vote for Romney in the right situation. While I'm not on page with his Morman beliefs he does seem to have a moral compus (that he follows) that is relatable to mine.

Someone like Newt just really bothers me because he has shown he will cheat lie and steal from those closest to him (namely his wives) so why would I want him to run our country if he can't handle his family?

I've heard the story of David but Newt didn't write Psalms either

[prototype]

quote from Obama today...Obama explained: "I came to know Jesus Christ for myself and embrace him as my Lord and Saviour."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/fe ... ristianity

granted they are just words but thems the right words

There's the Obama PR team already at work. Don't mind Obama's character - but do mind that he seems more interested in photo ops than making tough decisions. I care about my freedom and our country's economy - two things Obama does not.

I'm just glad the Obama World Tour is going to end in less them 2 years...

[jbock13]

As far as I'm considered, I'm a libertarian so no Republican would ever make me happy. I'm talking about ditching the Department of Education, Housing and Urban Development, getting rid of Homeland Security (and replacing it with something less intrusive), and slashing 90% of the EPA's budget.

So, it's a mystery as to why I haven't received my invite to the 2012 GOP convention. But the reason I usually have to vote republican is because no democrat shares my beliefs.

[ATrain]

I'll support Ron Paul, and forget being one of the sheeple voting for someone else just because he doesn't have a chance at the nomination and is a long shot to win. I'm going to vote for who I think is the best candidate, regardless of party affiliation, based upon their current views and their performance in any prior office they may have been elected to.

Are you voting for him as an Independent or for the nomination? If he doesn't run as an independent or doesn't win the nomination - are you not going to vote Republican? I think you are saying the same thing as other people on this thread - just not saying it - Obama versus any republican, your going to vote for the republican. The system sucks, I wish we could vote on merit and individual beliefs, but our system doesn't work that way. We have to get the majority again and take the bad over the worst, because at the end of the day - Republicans share more similar values with Christians. My only fear is that we have a strong Independent that splits votes with republicans and somehow Obama slips through the cracks... Paul could do this running as a third party.

If Paul doesn't get the nomination...I'll evaluate the Republican that does and either vote for that one or vote 3rd Party.

[RubberMallet]

i'll probably vote libertarian regardless of the moron the repubs trot out to run against obozo.

[jbock13]

i'll probably vote libertarian regardless of the moron the repubs trot out to run against obozo.

That's the way I feel. But I always feel like I have to chose the lesser of two evils, because regardless of what happens I want Obama out. But I'm not voting for a libertarian unless he really has a shot of winning. But I vote Libertarian in all races where there is no Democrat.

[From the class of 09]

i'll probably vote libertarian regardless of the moron the repubs trot out to run against obozo.

That's the way I feel. But I always feel like I have to chose the lesser of two evils, because regardless of what happens I want Obama out. But I'm not voting for a libertarian unless he really has a shot of winning. But I vote Libertarian in all races where there is no Democrat.

voting libertarian because he is a libertarian is just as bad as voting for a republican because he is a republican...no party has all the answers thats the point.

[jbock13]

i'll probably vote libertarian regardless of the moron the repubs trot out to run against obozo.

That's the way I feel. But I always feel like I have to chose the lesser of two evils, because regardless of what happens I want Obama out. But I'm not voting for a libertarian unless he really has a shot of winning. But I vote Libertarian in all races where there is no Democrat.

voting libertarian because he is a libertarian is just as bad as voting for a republican because he is a republican...no party has all the answers thats the point.

That wasn't what I meant. I think we're misunderstood here. The primaries are our chance to make sure our beliefs are represented. There will be no perfect candidate. Therefore we must choose who is best. Often that means voting for someone you may not like. Otherwise, we fraction our support and someone we despise in terms of policy gets elected.

We're in violent agreement, I hope you understand what I'm saying.