Who would you like to see as the next President?? - Page 2

[veggiewolf]

I think those are fair statements, and I certainly can't condemn anyone for wanting ANY change at this point. After all, I'm not a shrub lover by a long shot. My problem is this: I cannot see what anyone in either of the two major parties would do differently - politicians talk a good game, but I haven't seen too many marked differences.

Maybe I'm just too jaded. :

[Trishy]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Wes Clark. I have heard a few things about him here and there and was wondering what y'alls views were on him.

[Starling]

Carol Moseley Braun

http://www.carolforpresident.com

[TiredX2]

My problem is this: I cannot see what anyone in either of the two major parties would do differently

You must be seriously jaded to not see a difference between DK and Shrub!

kay

[Tigerchild]

Originally posted by veggiewolf
I think those are fair statements, and I certainly can't condemn anyone for wanting ANY change at this point. After all, I'm not a shrub lover by a long shot. My problem is this: I cannot see what anyone in either of the two major parties would do differently - politicians talk a good game, but I haven't seen too many marked differences.

Maybe I'm just too jaded. :

Nah, I wouldn't call you jaded, veggiewolf! Unfortunately I agree with your asessment. As far as domestic policy (and to some degree foreign policy too), both the Democrats and the Republicans are more similar than different in *practical* terms. (I'm talking about real stuff getting done, not pretty talk, as veggiewolf has mentioned in the above!)

For example, I am just a trifle annoyed at presidential candidates that *promise* healthcare for everyone and/or to improve schools, because like it or not that's a STATE issue, not a federal one. Presidential candidates can blow sunshine up our you know whats about those sort of things because they really can't do anything about them. And as far as promises to pull all of our troops out of Iraq immediately--uh....not logistically possible, folks. That "promise" shows ignorance, not valor. I would be happier if the candidate for the DP, whoever s/he ends up being, will be honest and practical about what they're going to change during their term. (Like what their proposals for the hemorrhaging deficit is, what they would do PROACTIVELY as far as foreign policy, all the boring stuff that's not as 'sexy' as bashing and pointing out how dumb the other guy is.)

It is sooooooooo painful for me to say that I will vote for whatever Democratic candidate is put up for president, but I'll live. All the other races/proposals are fair game, though. Which is good, in a way, because we are a lot closer to getting independant parties viable on a city/county/state level than federal. Baby steps. Though I wish it didn't have to be that way...

[veggiewolf]

Originally posted by TiredX2
You must be seriously jaded to not see a difference between DK and Shrub!

I see a difference in the rhetoric they spout, yes. I just went through Kucinich's site, though, and while his statements are very good, I saw a lot of "what should be done" and hardly any "how it will be implemented".

I'd be interested to know how he intends to wrest prescription drug pricing from the pharmas (and since I work in the industry, I'll admit it will NOT be an easy fight for anyone). Yes, we should have national health care. Yes, our prescription prices are astronomical. Now, Mr. Kucinich, exactly how are you planning on accomplishing a reform?

Let's not forget, as well, that the president alone is only part of the power structure. If the idiots in the Senate and Congress actually had the guts to listen to their constituents and stand up to Shrub en masse we'd be in a different situation. I'd like to know how Kucinich intends on getting his legislation passed. How will he "cross party lines"?

There was one statement on Kucinich's site that really hit me:

A Kucinich administration will toughen environmental enforcement, support the Kyoto Treaty on global climate change, reduce oil dependence, and spur investment in alternative energy sources, including hydrogen, solar, wind, and ocean. Clean energy technologies will produce new jobs. Tax and other incentives will favor sustainable businesses that conserve energy, retrofit pollution prevention technologies, and redesign toxins out of their manufacturing processes. The right to know (for example, when food is genetically engineered) will supercede corporate secrecy. Globally, the U.S. will become a leader in sustainable energy production and a partner with developing nations in providing inexpensive, local, renewable energy technologies.

And I say again, how, Mr. Kucinich? How?

I am looking forward to hearing actual plans from all of the candidates. Then, and only then, will I be able to make a decision as to whether I can vote for the democratic party candidate.