An undecided voter
Hear that sound? It’s the heads of friends and family members exploding at the mere suggestion that I could even consider voting for the other candidate.
Obviously, the identity of the “other candidate” depends on which side of the aisle you’re seated. Surprisingly enough, there are people dear to me on both sides.
I’m no closer to a decision than I was when I put together my spreadsheets. I’m such a dork – when in doubt, create a spreadsheet. I was hoping that the vice-presidential nominees would help sway me, but they haven’t.
Let me try to break down my competing lines of thought, starting with some generalities:
1. I’m fiscally conservative. My earnings are my own; I ought to decide what to do with them.
2. I’m socially liberal. My mind and my body are my own; I ought to decide what to do with them.
Likewise, I don’t believe it is my place to decide how other people’s money ought to be apportioned, nor what they ought to believe or do with their bodies.
I was in the military. So were my husband, my father, my brother, and my grandfather. My respect for military members who serve and have served honorably is immense and unwavering.
I am an atheist. Religion is based in faith, not fact. My opposition to the role of religion in government, particularly where it comes to legislation and judicial decisions, is also immense and unwavering.
To a lesser degree, the issues of energy and health care are important to me. On the energy side, I’m concerned about dependence on oil, regardless of its origin. I’m an advocate of alternative energies, including nuclear power. On the health care side, I’m concerned about the costs, coverage limits, and ultimate benefits of government-sponsored health care, as well as the administrative hurdles of instituting and managing such a program.
For me, the conundrum boils down to mistrust. I don’t trust Barack Obama to make decisions that will be in line with my fiscal conservatism, and I don’t trust John McCain to make decisions that will be in line with my social liberalism. I’m not interested in their records (although John McCain’s military service does carry much weight with me, for reasons outlined above); I’m interested in their ideologies. And in politics, ideologies shift with the winds – or with the polls.
I’ve been dreading this time between the conventions and the election. It’s when people get nasty – not just politicians and pundits, but friends and families. Remarks are made on TV, in the paper, on Twitter, and in person – remarks that are endlessly dissected in public or absorbed privately in hurtful silence.
It’s hard to be an atheist military veteran anytime. It’s especially hard to be an undecided voter now.
——————————
Happy birthday to my friends Liz, Travis, and Fairy Godfather Shane. May you enjoy your special day – it was yours long before terrorists stole it from all of us.
September 11th, 2008 at 6:01 am
Thank you so much for articulating what has been in my head and I have been unable to say myself to friends and family. Your (second to) last paragraph in particular resonated.
September 11th, 2008 at 6:47 am
Thank you for stating your position so eloquently.
Although I am far from unbiased, I would like to point out that McCain has changed his ideology to the point where the man that I admired in 2000 is no longer recognizable.
Once upon a time, he was a viable choice for me. But when he demonstrated his commitment to the evangelical base, he lost me.
But I agree with you about it getting ugly, and I admit that I’ve been part of that. I blame it mostly on my unpleasant personality.
September 11th, 2008 at 7:00 am
You articulated the intelligent voter conundrum perfectly. I have made the leap, but nearly everything you stated is how I believe as well.
September 11th, 2008 at 7:11 am
AMEN. heh heh
I am right there with you, but sorta reversed…kinda…a bit.
I’m want Ron Paul.
This country needs a change.
September 11th, 2008 at 7:45 am
I really hate talking politics with anyone because a lot of people can’t seem to calmly discuss things or calmly disagree on things. A lot of people get so caught up in their opinions that they forget that they are just their opinions and other people can feel differently and not be stupid or horrible or whatever.
I am also unsure and for many of the same reasons as you are. I was saying to someone the other day that I wish we had one more choice because I can’t seem to support either of the current choices fully, and am going to have a hard time voting for either.
toris last blog post..nn404 Not FoundnnNot FoundnThe requested URL /commentluvinc/remoteCL5.php was not found on this server.nnApache/2.0.52 (CentOS) Server at http://www.fiddyp.com Port 80nn
September 11th, 2008 at 8:22 am
I am right there with you. Both sides have shown me things to like and both have shown me things to distrust. Both have flipflopped on issues that are important to me. Both have been vitriolic and antagonistic to the other side. Both have plans for this country that do not jive with how I see our future. I second OMSH, I want Ron Paul.
Caras last blog post..More than the Crust
September 11th, 2008 at 8:28 am
There is a lot of trash talking going on right now, but also a lot of really respectful conversations as well. I think you did a good job on this post. I know which side I’m on, but I respect the other side as well.
At least you have a few months to decide.
Issas last blog post..2,996 project: Thomas J. Kennedy
September 11th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Julie, it seems like your views are fairly consistent with Bob Barr, but I can definitely understand not wanting to vote for a third party candidate, especially in a swing state.
A major factor for me in this election is the impact it will have on the Supreme Court. It’s highly likely that the next president will have between 1 and 3 appointments to the Court. The Court is much more likely to have an impact on the country’s social issues than economic issues. I think there’s a very good chance that Roe v. Wade could be overruled if more conservative justices, in the model of Roberts and Alito, are appointed. Supreme Court Justices often stay on the Court for 20, 30 or more years — so the decision here could have significant impact on our country for decades.
Just throwing that out there as an additional thought . . .
September 11th, 2008 at 9:22 am
Joansy, that’s a major consideration.
September 11th, 2008 at 9:52 am
i agree with a lot of what you wrote here… which is why i’ve never understand why there has to be such HARD lines between the 2 parties. one side = republican. the exact opposite= democrat. where the fuck is the happy medium that kind of takes the qualities from both and meshes them together?!?! why can’t this happen?!
jennsters last blog post..the weirdest thing about my job
September 11th, 2008 at 10:29 am
I think that we might have seen a more moderate McCain a few years back, as well as if he had been able to pick Lieberman (in response to Jennster). But in not drawing the hard line between far right and far left, the GOP, in particular, is afraid they will lose their hard right voters, hence the Palin pick.
I’m undecided as well. I was a Hillary backer and I’m 100% on the fence.
Motherhood Uncensoreds last blog post..The Citizen’s Parent
September 11th, 2008 at 10:38 am
I think your reasoning is why it’s hard for ANY of us to make a decision. I have views on both sides and have a hard time choosing. Yet another reason why we need to redo this two party system!
Loris last blog post..Random Thoughts Wednesday edition
September 11th, 2008 at 11:13 am
I definitely have made my choice, and I sure don’t envy those of you who haven’t. It’s tough, it’s important, and there’s so much misinformation. Good luck. Nov. 5 can’t come soon enough for me. (Well. Unless my guy loses.)
mayberrys last blog post..The eleventh of never
September 11th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Nice post. My husband used to think he was a Republican, because like you he was fiscally conservative and socially liberal. He even voted McCain in the 2000 primary (a fact he didn’t tell me until after our wedding in the same year.) It took him a while, but he’s finally realized over the last ten years that the Republicans are no longer the party of the fiscally conservative. I do believe they were once the party of small government and fiscal responsibility. I don’t believe that to be the truth now.
While I don’t hide that I’m over the moon with Obama, and have been since he won his senate bid, I do still consider myself an independent and vote split ticket in every single election.
My husband has no love for McCain now.
Amys last blog post..So about this Sarah Palin…
September 11th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
You’re not interested in their records? That’s a little troublesome.
For a fiscal conservative, the record is pretty clear if you look at recent historical records — Republican Presidents have not balanced a budget in over 30 years. When it was 8 years of Reagan deficits, I heard that it was the Democrats’ fault. When it was 4 years of even bigger Bush I deficits, I kept hearing that it was the Democrats’ fault. Then, when Clinton balanced budgets, I kept hearing that the Republican Congress did it. Then, when Bush II and his Republican Congress went immediately back to exploding deficits, I heard mumbling about extenuating circumstances.
Sixteen opportunities for “fiscally conservative” Republican Presidents to balance a budget since 1980, and not one could manage it. Ford didn’t manage it and I think Nixon only managed it once, but I don’t know their circumstances.
So, base your vote on whatever you think best satisfies your duties as a citizen and meshes best with your personal preferences, but don’t be fooled by campaign marketing suggesting that Republican Presidents are “fiscally responsible.”
September 11th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Doug, thanks for your comment.
As a point of clarification regarding my views on the candidates’ records, what doesn’t interest me is debating the minutiae of what was said/what was meant.
For example, the Democrats have criticized John McCain as not being in favor of equal pay for equal work, due to his stance (if not an actual vote) on the Lilly Ledbetter Act – but that’s taken out of context.
Likewise, the Republicans have criticized Barack Obama as supporting comprehensive sex education for kindergarteners – but again, that’s taken out of context.
What I want to know is what each candidate believes on an empirical level. That’s why I’ve spent a lot of time perusing the site “On the Issues” – ontheissues.org – which has broken candidates’ views down into categories, with quotes and voting records.
As for fiscal responsibility, I wrote a piece over at The Parental is Political regarding the “emergency” funding used to fund the war in Iraq – http://www.imperfectparent.com/parental/articles578_1.php – it’s not coming from the defense budget, but from these supplemental bills. Jaw-dropping lack of fiscal responsibility, isn’t it?
September 11th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I, too, am very undecided and I hate this feeling so close to the election! I’m glued to CNN (and Jon Stewart, to be honest) hoping that I can feel good about at least ONE of them before voting time. But I definitely won’t be voting according to my “religious beliefs” as I feel too many out there are planning to do. I will be voting for who I feel will be the best leader for our country.
Steph
Adventures In Babywearings last blog post..nn404 Not FoundnnNot FoundnThe requested URL /commentluvinc/remoteCL5.php was not found on this server.nnApache/2.0.52 (CentOS) Server at http://www.fiddyp.com Port 80nn
September 11th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Hello -
First, thank you for writing about politics in a civil manner. I will try to comment in an equally civil manner.
Second, I am taking a moment to comment because of how passionately I feel about this election. I feel helpless about the direction this country is going from a social-issues standpoint. I figure all I can do is cast my vote for Obama, and give my two cents via comments on blogs and sites like this.
The next president will potentially nominate three Supreme Court Justices. That factor alone terrifies me. Roe v. Wade will be overturned, I fear, with an appointment from McCain.
I understand you hesitation with regards to Obama’s fiscal policies. Regardless of who takes office, the next president will inherit a massive debt. However, like Amy’s husband, I would submit that the Republican party is no longer the party of fiscal conservatives. Surely, the Democrats don’t have claim to this title, either.
I am voting for the man I believe Obama to be, more than for his voting record or experience. I truly believe he wants to work with Republicans and reach compromises. I believe he wants to reduce the chasm between the religious and the non-religious in this country (I’m in the latter group). I believe that he is willing to admit when he’s wrong and surround himself with strong people of varying viewpoints. I believe that Obama truly gets that we have to wean ourselves off of oil & fossil fuels in order to truly defeat the terrorists.
To a certain degree, I felt that McCain was this type of man as well. But what I’ve witnessed over the past year or so, culminating in his selection of Palin as his running mate, has convinced me otherwise.
Please consider casting your vote for Obama.
September 11th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Steven Chapman put it in a way that really resonated with me a few days ago: “You will scour the presidential nominees’ acceptance speeches in vain for any hint that your life is rightfully your own, to be lived in accordance with your beliefs and desires and no one else’s.” (http://www.reason.com/news/show/128656.html) And beyond the speeches, their records indicate the same lack of, I was going to say respect, but I almost feel like it’s a lack of _recognition_ of individual prerogative regarding one’s own life.
I’m not undecided anymore. I despise them both, and I wish they’d leave me in peace.
September 11th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
I am not undecided (though the candidate I truly backed is no longer running), but I am so troubled by all the rancor.
I mean, it must be like that in every election, but it seems so awful now. On November 5th, everyone has to sit down and work together. Whoever loses goes back to being a Senator* and has to work with the person who won. That’s a lot to stomach, I think, especially when it gets personal.
*Don’t even get me started on how it’s ok to essentially desert your job for upwards of 12 months to go look for something better, and if it doesn’t pan out go back to the original one. Would that be acceptable in any other career track?!
September 11th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Bob Barr. He was on Borat.
(okay, I’ll probably go for Obama for the judicial thing, but gosh I wish the 3rd party could get serious traction)
September 11th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Great post. I feel much the same way, strongly identifying with ideologies rooted in both parties. Although I was never in the military, I support the Services knowing how crucial they are to protect my Freedoms and Rights that so many have sacrificed their lives to assure every American Citizen. And although I am a Christian, I also believe that religion must be separated from the political establishment in specifics but the moral axes of most religions – differentiating between what’s right and wrong – need to be interwoven into leadership, policy, and practice.
Love the spreadsheet idea, too! I am obsessed with data in spreadsheets, so I think I have to do this now. Maybe it will help me decide. I proudly and loudly admit that I have voted independent in each presidential election since I came of age and, although I am registered Republican, I vote for a candidate based on their abilities and beliefs and not the Party Color they identify with or what icon they choose to stand behind. My problem this time around is the extremely poor “crop” of candidates offered up for choice this cycle….
September 11th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
I assume you’re middle class like most of us. Barack Obama will do more for you and me than John McCain,
September 11th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
…and there wasn’t any more to my statement, I just decided to use a comma instead of a period.
September 11th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Alison, who will do more FOR me concerns me less than who do more TO me to make good on their promises. I don’t think of the president as Santa Claus.
September 11th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
To me? I don’t want the government intruding on my personal and civil rights. Thanks.
September 11th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
You and I have basically the same exact views (except I’m agnostic and extremely pro 2nd amendment.)
For me it’s always been simple to pick my candidates/party affiliation (even though we’re really Libertarians through and through, but why waste a vote?). It boils down to something SO very simple: is government the problem or the solution? For me it’s always the problem, which is the reason I call myself a conservative even though I’m socially liberal. I virtually always vote Republican and plan to do so again this November.
Amandas last blog post..nn404 Not FoundnnNot FoundnThe requested URL /commentluvinc/remoteCL5.php was not found on this server.nnApache/2.0.52 (CentOS) Server at http://www.fiddyp.com Port 80nn
September 11th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Same here, Alison. I can’t help but think that it would be indicative of a far healthier polity if people’s main concern was the protection of their liberties. And yet some people’s first instincts are to frame the debate in terms of who will do more for whom. What a shame.
Amanda, I wish I saw something in the current crop of Republicans at large (excluding brave outliers like Paul) that would give me your confidence that they saw government as the problem, not the solution. Hell, I’d be happy for evidence that they still believed in federalism. War On Drugs, anyone?
September 11th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
You, my dear, are a mess! A conservative-liberal-atheist-former-military type will of course have an impossible decision. I’m fortunate in that I swing very easily toward one specific party, so for me the decision is a simple one. But – many close family members swing toward the exact opposite party, so we can’t even talk rationally about it without the exploding heads you mentioned. You could pick a name out of a hat, I suppose. Or flip a coin. Coins are good.
Good luck with your decision…
Email From The Embassys last blog post..He’s Five!
September 11th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
ROCK ON. You took all the swirl in my head and put it in words in a way that is logical. THANK YOU. I am on the fence—people I respect a great deal are on both “sides”. It really drives me crazy this season, there is so much emotion. Keep us undecided voters posted PLEASE. Thanks again.
Michelle Lamars last blog post..Oprah’s Olympic Special – Wow!
September 12th, 2008 at 4:12 am
While I am not undecided, I share your political beliefs. I am waiting for the party that represents us fiscally conservative, socially liberal Atheists.
If it helps, I’ve thought about it a lot and I will be voting for Obama.
Sarah, Goon Squad Sarahs last blog post..Questions for You
September 12th, 2008 at 6:40 am
I don’t envy the decision you have to make in the coming weeks – but it is so very important. It comforts me to know that so many of my American friends do not take the right to vote lightly and realize the importance of making an informed decision when so many world-wide cannot do the same.
katies last blog post..Frosh
September 12th, 2008 at 8:04 am
If McCain wins he will be in position to send the Supreme Court to the right and that could have an extreme effect on social policy for decades to come. Think God in schools and the right to choose what to do with your own body.
Just saying.
September 12th, 2008 at 9:52 am
I was undecided for a long time, and I still am to some degree, but I am increasingly decided. All I can hope is that some of the political vitriol will be less in the coming months than it has been in years past. American (and I want that specified: AMERICAN) politicians are increasingly convincing me that they are all incapable of acting like adults.
September 12th, 2008 at 10:37 am
I have a lot of respect for you, and anyone who is searching through the misstatements and exagerations on both sides, to make an informed decision. I beg you to read this article from Representative Jan Schakowsky, which lays out the ways in which she believes a John McCain presidency will be bad for women. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rep-jan-schakowsky/warning-to-women-mccain-p_b_125809.html
September 12th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
In a perfect world world, where casting a vote for a major underdog didn’t = throwing your away your vote, I’d be voting for Ron Paul. He is by far the most level headed, reasonable and constitutionally-minded candidate out there and like Galileo, Newton and so many other brilliant men, he is disregarded and treated like a bit of a nut. People will, regretfully, only appreciate Sen. Paul’s non-partisan brilliance in hindsight *sigh* That said, I’m voting for Obama.
Izzys last blog post..Less…Mom-ish
September 12th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
The phrase “The devil and his brother” comes to mind, no?
Maternal Mirths last blog post..The Perfect Ticket For M&M
September 13th, 2008 at 4:07 am
You echoed my thoughts and feelings perfectly.
I have no freaking idea who I’m voting for yet, and I can’t wait for this whole thing to be over. Period.
Builder Mamas last blog post..It’s all Greek to me
September 14th, 2008 at 12:05 am
Wow!
I’m so glad I found this blog; it’s refreshing to read this commentary without the smack-talk and the noise…
I am really torn this year about who to support for President. I’m a 43yo father of 3 and husband of 1…I have 3 cars & a mortgage…ok job, but not a career job; do a little tax work on the side; volunteer a little…and I don’t go to church but know that I should…
I voted GOP beginning with Reagan in 84 through Bush in 2000. In 2004 I voted for Kerry. I planned to vote for Bush but in the second debate I was won over with Kerry’s answer to the health care topic, while underwhelmed with Bush’s answer.
My thinking this year: McCain is far more deserving of the office…he has the respect (though not the adoration) of the world…I’m very intrigued with Sarah Palin and like her a lot.
Obama seems inspirational and visionary…he doesn’t really move me, but seeing his supporters cry at the convention was something that DOES move me…his election would say something good about our society, and I think improve our image in the world…
And the biggest reason I would vote for him is because the Congress is Democrat. If McCain is elected, I think the government would be in a holding pattern and nothing substantial would get done. In normal times, that might be a good thing, because government is pretty good at screwing things up. But these are not normal times. There are policies that sorely need changed, especially in health care and in energy. If the Congress were still Republican, I would vote McCain in a minute.
My wife was a Hillary supporter; she is now firmly set on McCain and Palin. She is not trying to persuade me, though.
We have just mailed our absentee ballot applications; I will watch the debates, and I’ll post again with how I have voted…
September 14th, 2008 at 7:51 am
I wish Hillary was running and disappointed he didn’t pick her. Now vote for democrat, probably because of the issues of pro-choice
mrsmoguls last blog post..Fashion calf look, Olsen Twins and more
September 17th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Wow! You just very nicely articulated my problem with this election’s choice of candidates. It’s pretty much a “lesser of two evils” decision.
And judging from the number of comments, I don’t think I’m alone.
Whoever gets elected, we do need some changes in this country. I just hope the next President doesn’t make the WRONG changes!
Goofy Girls last blog post..Lil G is a Boogie Machine
September 22nd, 2008 at 2:12 pm
I’m actually an undecided Dad, although my experience is slightly different than yours. I chose to be undecided this year and to put off my choice until the last minute to teach my nine year old a lesson about civics (vs. partisanship) this election cycle. The experiences I’ve had with friends and family (as well as issues) are documented at a blog I created called http://www.undecidedman.com. Feel free to eavesdrop on my thoughts on this matter, and I’m interested in hearing more about yours.
UDM
Undecidedmans last blog post..Paradox
May 25th, 2009 at 3:07 am
[...] MotherGooseMouse [...]