Election 2004 update

Joined: 07 Jul 2003 Posts: 762

The presidential election of 2004 is shaping up to be another closely contested race...much like in 2000. Check out this link.

Electoral College Map

What amazes me about this year is that even with all the "negative" news President Bush has had this spring, Kerry has not been able to really take advantage and create a substantial lead for himself. This really calls his electability into question.

Joined: 04 Jul 2003 Posts: 1337 Location: The Collective

He is a stick......he has no personality

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 7:12 am Post subject:

And it's unfortunate IMO that personality, rather than qualification, is a determining factor in deciding the presidency.

We should butt heads someday and design a Presidential/Ministerial Aptitude Test.

Joined: 07 Jul 2003 Posts: 1037 Location: Formerly 3333

I would hope that personality would play a role in this "aptitude test" you speak of. Having the ability to communicate, show and express compassion is of vital importance.

I would also suggest that what a person does and says prior to expressing a desire to run for office should carry much more weight than anything they'd say when they are courting votes.

Tossing away badges and ribbons speaks far more about a person's true beliefs than anything that person would say while seeking the most powerful position in the world. Frankly, I don't want a man as President who places such little value on the defense of our nation, as well as the gallant accomplishments of others who would earn such honors.

Footie

Joined: 04 Jul 2003 Posts: 1964

I agree 100% Foots. If someone is going to throw away their awards and medals because he/she hated a particular war, that person does not need to be running for the office. War IS NOT popular by all means. Does not matter what the situation is. Some see action, some don't. Either way, if you sign up, then you take the risk of seeing it. Don't like it, tough. Why sign up to begin with? I do understand that some had no choice (ya know, the draft). Many people have died for this nation and for our freedoms. Kerry is nothing but a wus.

Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 8:55 am Post subject:

Joined: 07 Jul 2003 Posts: 1037 Location: Formerly 3333

I don't believe you will see anything written by me that comments on the orator skills of President Bush. He would be the first to admit that public speaking is not his strongest suit.

However, President Bush gets high marks on his handling of the 9/11 tragedy. His speeches were strong and he showed great compassion toward the victims and comforted the country. He has is gaffes to be sure, but he was hitting on all cylinders when it counted most.

However, the context of our conversation (which you're always reminding me to stay on topic) was the communication skills of Ronald Reagan. He took a back seat to no one when it came to communication and compassion. I'll never forget him comforting those who lost loved ones during the Challenger disaster.

Footie

Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 12:17 pm Post subject:

Joined: 07 Jul 2003 Posts: 762

President Bush may not be the world's greatest orator...but that does not change the fact that he is a man of principle who stands up for what he says. He does not "nuance" his statements so that he can play them both ways in the future.

Personality and charisma go a long way in politics. These traits should not be the deciding factor when placing votes, but unfortunately I think many people are swayed by people who demonstrate them.

IMO, this is why Kerry has had a tough time. He nuances everything he says, and has no personality. So while the standard Democrat may vote for him in the general election, he will have a tough time picking up votes from the margin, which he needs in order to win.

For me personally, I will vote for someone who has demonstrated they have a belief system.

Posted: Sat Jun 12, 2004 5:05 am Post subject:

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