I want to open this up for discussion. Here is my evaluation of some of the presidential candidates presented to us.
Ralph Nader and Cynthia McKinney
Pro – I respect anyone willing to forgo the two-party system
Con – Too radical on all fronts
Result - not even a possibility to get my vote
Barack Obama
Pro – Against the “war” in Iraq
Con – Radical anti-life (pro-choice), little experience, socialist
Result – not even a possibility to get my vote
John McCain
Pro – Pro-life voting record, SARAH PALIN, somewhat of a capitalist
Con – for the bail-out, pro-amnesty, radically pro-“war” in Iraq, favors stem cell research
Result – Is a possible person I could vote for
Bob Barr
Pro – Constitutionalist, most press coverage of all third party candidates, congressional experience
Con – little chance of winning, questionable pro-life stance, free trader, recanted stance on DOMA
Result – maybe a possibility, but not likely
Chuck Baldwin
Pro – Stands for everything I stand for, a committed Christian, a pastor I respect greatly
Con – no experience whatsoever, very little chance of winning, seems to have a all or nothing attitude toward issues
Result – the candidate who currently has my support
As you can see, my vote will be cast for John McCain, Bob Barr or Chuck Baldwin. So, who will I vote for. Right now, I am a bit undecided. But, here’s a few more thoughts on these three considerations:
Bob Barr – I like most of his stances on a lot of issues. However, the way he has treated Ron Paul and other third party candidates has left a bad taste in my mouth – seems to be almost elitist in that respect. I also want someone more vocally pro-life.
Chuck Baldwin – I really respect this man leaps and bounds above any other candidate. I worked hard to help him gain ballot access in MA and urged him to seek the Constitution Party nomination in the first place. However, the fact that he has no experience whatsoever makes me wonder if he can take over on day one. I am also wondering if this whole all or nothing attitude toward issues that the Constitution Party seems to take is helpful. Take abortion for example. I would favor any legislation that saves any lives. Let’s face reality – an anti-abortion measure with absolutely no exception has no chance of victory. However, we can pass some legislation that can at least save a few lives. Even Obama stated in a recent debate that he would have no problem banning all late-term abortions. If we fail to do this because we take the all or nothing attitude – we will not save at least those few children that this legislation could have helped. That does not seem very pro-life to me. And, let me add, I am concerned about the whole idea of casting my vote for someone who will not win. Will the country be better off I cast my vote for someone who will not win or if I cast my vote for a candidate such as McCain who has many faults, but at least will be a small step in the right direction. By the way, I understand the whole argument against voting for the lesser of two evils – I have made it myself many times.
John McCain – I could go on for quite a while discussing this man’s faults. I hate his pro-amnesty position on immigration. I abhor his support for the bail-out. Stem Cell support – to be honest – I don’t know much about this issue. I need to do some more research into this issue before forming an opinion. My biggest concern with John McCain is his stance on the war. It is not American to invade a county only because we think they might be capable to be a threat to us. His stance on Iran is scary. However, his pro-life stance is re-assuring. He would not even be a consideration if he were not at least pro-life and pro-traditional marriage. His choice of Sarah Palin is what I find most attractive (pardon the pun). Here is a woman who takes a 100% pro-life stance. Truth be told, I would rather be voting for Sarah Palin on the top of the ticket and not for McCain at all. Should this woman be in office, it sets her up for a Presidential run herself someday and I find that encouraging. She is a true conservative I can support.
I have to admit, ever since I began supporting Ron Paul, I have been questioning my role in the Constitution Party in general. Ron Paul is a man I support 100%. He made great waves during the primary season. Never before have I seen a man who supports my views and values get so much media attention. It was a sight to behold. But the truth of the matter is, he would not have gotten even half the exposure he received had he ran third party.
Is there something to the argument of staying in the GOP and furthering the Ron Paul revolution? I think maybe so. Let’s face reality – what have modern third parties actually accomplished? Should I go back to the GOP, I still support the legitimacy of third parties and would fight for their right to be included in the mainstream – as in the debates…
Well, these are a few of my thoughts. In the words of Bill O’Reilly – what say you?
