Objective Thread

saveuplifesaveuplife Posts: 1,173
edited September 2008 in A Moving Train
Can anyone actually be objective here? Is it possible to discuss politics without entangling your specific beliefs?

What I mean is simple. Palin and Obama are good examples.

I know the heavy majority disagree with Palin on almost all issues. However, can't you admit that she was a smart political pick? Can you admit that it has bolstered the opposition? Can you admit that this may actually be a race now?

On the other side, for all you die-hard Republicans.... Can you say honestly that people are not looking for change when we are on the brink of recession? Can you not say that Obama is very very eloquent speaker who clearly connects with people?

This thread is meant to get people speaking about the politics. This has nothing to do with your beliefs or political platforms. It has to do with politics.
Post edited by Unknown User on
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  • saveuplife wrote:
    Can anyone actually be objective here? Is it possible to discuss politics without entangling your specific beliefs?

    What I mean is simple. Palin and Obama are good examples.

    I know the heavy majority disagree with Palin on almost all issues. However, can't you admit that she was a smart political pick? Can you admit that it has bolstered the opposition? Can you admit that this may actually be a race now?

    On the other side, for all you die-hard Republicans.... Can you say honestly that people are not looking for change when we are on the brink of recession? Can you not say that Obama is very very eloquent speaker who clearly connects with people?

    This thread is meant to get people speaking about the politics. This has nothing to do with your beliefs or political platforms. It has to do with politics.

    Great post. I agree 100%. This board is filled with tons of folks who are firmly situated on the fringe on their respective parties and platforms. I started my post last night about Rudy's speech because I knew that it would get some of the extreme leftists stirred up over here. I'm an independent who supports candidates on both sides.
    United Center (Chicago): 8/24/09
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  • saveuplife wrote:
    Can anyone actually be objective here? Is it possible to discuss politics without entangling your specific beliefs?

    What I mean is simple. Palin and Obama are good examples.

    I know the heavy majority disagree with Palin on almost all issues. However, can't you admit that she was a smart political pick? Can you admit that it has bolstered the opposition? Can you admit that this may actually be a race now?

    On the other side, for all you die-hard Republicans.... Can you say honestly that people are not looking for change when we are on the brink of recession? Can you not say that Obama is very very eloquent speaker who clearly connects with people?

    This thread is meant to get people speaking about the politics. This has nothing to do with your beliefs or political platforms. It has to do with politics.

    This is a good post...I've wondered the same thing.
    hippiemom = goodness
  • mammasanmammasan Posts: 5,656
    For me the jury is still our on Palin. On one side it could win the election for McCain by suring up the Christian Right and bringing in some much needed money. On the other hand it can harm his chance by putting off the more moderate section of his party who maybe sick and tired of the Christian Right dominating their party. Her age and experience can also go either way. It's still to early to tell.
    "When one gets in bed with government, one must expect the diseases it spreads." - Ron Paul
  • saveuplifesaveuplife Posts: 1,173
    mammasan wrote:
    For me the jury is still our on Palin. On one side it could win the election for McCain by suring up the Christian Right and bringing in some much needed money. On the other hand it can harm his chance by putting off the more moderate section of his party who maybe sick and tired of the Christian Right dominating their party. Her age and experience can also go either way. It's still to early to tell.


    What do you think about the pick stealing some Hillary voters away from the Dems?
  • mammasanmammasan Posts: 5,656
    saveuplife wrote:
    What do you think about the pick stealing some Hillary voters away from the Dems?

    Maybe some of Hillary's more conservative voters, if she had any. I don't think that Hillary's core female supports are going to vote for Palin simply because she is female. there is such a huge ideological gap when it comes to the two that I don't think gender is enough of a bridge between them.

    I personally believe that McCain should have gone for a more true conservative. From many articles that I have been reading there is a large portion of the Republican party that is being ignored, your traditional Republicans. Those that believe in fiscal responsibility and limited government have long been overlooked and I believe that this election is the breaking point for them. I myself have talked to many here in New Jersey. I belong to the New Jersey Libertarian party and at many of our meeting we have discussed this very topic. Many libertarians are basically disgruntled Republicans who feel that their party has lost it's way and have abandoned it's core beliefs to cater to a small sect of it's base based on their ability to generate money. These Libertarian/disgruntled Republicans have the ability to play Ralph Nader to McCain's Gore. Had he selected a true conservative candidate he probably would have secured those votes. I mean the far right, as discontent as they may have been with McCain, was going to vote for him anyway. Hell would have froze over before they supported someone like Obama.
    "When one gets in bed with government, one must expect the diseases it spreads." - Ron Paul
  • saveuplife wrote:
    Can anyone actually be objective here? Is it possible to discuss politics without entangling your specific beliefs?

    What I mean is simple. Palin and Obama are good examples.

    I know the heavy majority disagree with Palin on almost all issues. However, can't you admit that she was a smart political pick? Can you admit that it has bolstered the opposition? Can you admit that this may actually be a race now?

    On the other side, for all you die-hard Republicans.... Can you say honestly that people are not looking for change when we are on the brink of recession? Can you not say that Obama is very very eloquent speaker who clearly connects with people?

    This thread is meant to get people speaking about the politics. This has nothing to do with your beliefs or political platforms. It has to do with politics.

    Objectively speaking.....

    one side wants change while the other side criticizes them for it while they themselves also want change.

    one side has an inexperienced candidate while the other side has an inexperienced candidate and the both criticize each other for it.

    both sides are so excited they slobber when they speak.

    and the lies.... oh the lies
    the Minions
  • saveuplifesaveuplife Posts: 1,173
    mammasan wrote:
    Maybe some of Hillary's more conservative voters, if she had any. I don't think that Hillary's core female supports are going to vote for Palin simply because she is female. there is such a huge ideological gap when it comes to the two that I don't think gender is enough of a bridge between them.

    I personally believe that McCain should have gone for a more true conservative. From many articles that I have been reading there is a large portion of the Republican party that is being ignored, your traditional Republicans. Those that believe in fiscal responsibility and limited government have long been overlooked and I believe that this election is the breaking point for them. I myself have talked to many here in New Jersey. I belong to the New Jersey Libertarian party and at many of our meeting we have discussed this very topic. Many libertarians are basically disgruntled Republicans who feel that their party has lost it's way and have abandoned it's core beliefs to cater to a small sect of it's base based on their ability to generate money. These Libertarian/disgruntled Republicans have the ability to play Ralph Nader to McCain's Gore. Had he selected a true conservative candidate he probably would have secured those votes. I mean the far right, as discontent as they may have been with McCain, was going to vote for him anyway. Hell would have froze over before they supported someone like Obama.


    Yea, I see your point. I don't think she'll take away too many female voters that typically align with the Dems. However, I think she may have an ability to steal away some rural Dems/Indeps. I also think she was a pick to seal the base.

    I understand what you are talking about here. I think McCain's philosophy was that he was the guy you are referring to in the second paragraph. Although, I too don't buy that, I think that's what his strategy was. Basically, he's the one who would appeal to those individuals you mentioned, she's the conservative who would appeal to the base.

    May be off, but I think that's what he thought.
  • saveuplifesaveuplife Posts: 1,173
    Objectively speaking.....

    one side wants change while the other side criticizes them for it while they themselves also want change.

    one side has an inexperienced candidate while the other side has an inexperienced candidate and the both criticize each other for it.

    both sides are so excited they slobber when they speak.

    and the lies.... oh the lies

    Agreed.

    Lies, though? I don't think they are lies if you don't know that what you are promising can't be delivered. I think both individuals actually would like to deliver, but have no clue that they won't be able to.
  • Isn't separating beliefs from politics kinda like separating wet from water?
    Progress is not made by everyone joining some new fad,
    and reveling in it's loyalty. It's made by forming coalitions
    over specific principles, goals, and policies.

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  • digsterdigster Posts: 1,293
    I don't know, maybe I've just been going to the right threads, but I think overall this board does all right. People seem to at least be able to back up their arguments for the most part, which is something that's sorely lacking on other boards, especially other political boards. I haven't found a very good political discussion board, if anyone has any ideas. There's idiots, but there are going to be idiots everywhere.

    But I agree, a great way to measure whether someone is truly non-partisan is to see whether they can break with the party line. There's certainly not alot of that in politics these days.
  • chopitdownchopitdown Posts: 2,222
    saveuplife wrote:
    Agreed.

    Lies, though? I don't think they are lies if you don't know that what you are promising can't be delivered. I think both individuals actually would like to deliver, but have no clue that they won't be able to.

    i think both sides know they can't deliver, but both sides want to win...b/c after all, in American politics we want winners and we want to feel good.
    make sure the fortune that you seek...is the fortune that you need
  • saveuplife wrote:

    Lies, though?

    Yes, Divisive Lies.... both sides....

    Like Giuliani saying Obama has never led anything... total crap
    the Minions
  • mammasanmammasan Posts: 5,656
    saveuplife wrote:
    Yea, I see your point. I don't think she'll take away too many female voters that typically align with the Dems. However, I think she may have an ability to steal away some rural Dems/Indeps. I also think she was a pick to seal the base.

    I understand what you are talking about here. I think McCain's philosophy was that he was the guy you are referring to in the second paragraph. Although, I too don't buy that, I think that's what his strategy was. Basically, he's the one who would appeal to those individuals you mentioned, she's the conservative who would appeal to the base.

    May be off, but I think that's what he thought.

    I agree that this was his strategy except that he has absolutely zero appeal to the more libertarian minded Republicans. If you haven't read it yet read It's My Party Too by Christine Todd Whitman. The book illustrates perfectly what I'm talking about here.
    "When one gets in bed with government, one must expect the diseases it spreads." - Ron Paul
  • and feel like we can have a beer with the guy and girl. It occured to me...sometime after the 2004 election that American's fit into one of the following categories...ignorant, uninformed, just dumb, or complacent.

    I don't know how 65 million people could have voted for GW Bush a second time...regardless of belief...it is absurd...I know people who did...and it make you think about their ability to make good decisions. So I have no idea what will happen this time...we'll see.

    Anyway...the point is...you have a bunch of religiously devoted people running around pushing for the administration of their religion into the government...as if our whole drive for independence wasn't based on the ability to separate the two. And all anyone seems to care about...including both parties... are these social issues...when in reality...they are irrelevant...I mean you have these 'pro-life' people basing there vote solely on abortion...and nothing ever happens...but they just respond when that button is pushed every four years. I mean pro-life....right...nevermind the war and the death penalty....what a joke.

    My point is...maybe if everyone stopped and took a look around and maybe took a moment to try to understand other people's despair...and based their vote on something other than what only benefits them..but what benefits everyone...that probably would be the start of something great.
    it's all about you...
  • digster wrote:

    a great way to measure whether someone is truly non-partisan is to see whether they can break with the party line. There's certainly not alot of that in politics these days.

    I just listen to what makes sense, and consider the integrity of the person saying it.

    left.... right.... it's a joke they play on people.
    Progress is not made by everyone joining some new fad,
    and reveling in it's loyalty. It's made by forming coalitions
    over specific principles, goals, and policies.

    http://i36.tinypic.com/66j31x.jpg

    (\__/)
    ( o.O)
    (")_(")
  • know1know1 Posts: 6,794
    I think it comes down to issues.

    As in - the issues just do not matter anymore.

    What apparently matters are the pregnancy status of a candidate's daughter, the racist ramblings of a candidate's pastor, the age/health of a candidate, etc., etc., etc.

    Why can't we just talk issues?

    I'm very disenfranchised and disheartened by it all.
    The only people we should try to get even with...
    ...are those who've helped us.

    Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
  • chopitdownchopitdown Posts: 2,222
    I don't know how 65 million people could have voted for GW Bush a second time...regardless of belief...it is absurd...I know people who did...and it make you think about their ability to make good decisions. So I have no idea what will happen this time...we'll see.
    .

    there are a lot of people who weren't wild about Bush that voted for him b/c they didn't like the alternatives out there. It's not that people were overly excited, it's that the didn't like the alternatives nearly as much. I mean, John Kerry lost to George Bush who had a 50% approval rating and it was dropping at the time.
    make sure the fortune that you seek...is the fortune that you need
  • nfanelnfanel Posts: 2,558
    chopitdown wrote:
    there are a lot of people who weren't wild about Bush that voted for him b/c they didn't like the alternatives out there. It's not that people were overly excited, it's that the didn't like the alternatives nearly as much. I mean, John Kerry lost to George Bush who had a 50% approval rating and it was dropping at the time.
    agreed. john kerry was a weak, weak, candidate. it was like trying to pick the lesser of two evils.
  • mammasanmammasan Posts: 5,656
    know1 wrote:
    I think it comes down to issues.

    As in - the issues just do not matter anymore.

    What apparently matters are the pregnancy status of a candidate's daughter, the racist ramblings of a candidate's pastor, the age/health of a candidate, etc., etc., etc.

    Why can't we just talk issues?

    I'm very disenfranchised and disheartened by it all.

    I agree, but we have only ourselves to blame for this.
    "When one gets in bed with government, one must expect the diseases it spreads." - Ron Paul
  • saveuplife wrote:
    Can anyone actually be objective here? Is it possible to discuss politics without entangling your specific beliefs?

    What I mean is simple. Palin and Obama are good examples.

    I know the heavy majority disagree with Palin on almost all issues. However, can't you admit that she was a smart political pick? Can you admit that it has bolstered the opposition? Can you admit that this may actually be a race now?

    On the other side, for all you die-hard Republicans.... Can you say honestly that people are not looking for change when we are on the brink of recession? Can you not say that Obama is very very eloquent speaker who clearly connects with people?

    This thread is meant to get people speaking about the politics. This has nothing to do with your beliefs or political platforms. It has to do with politics.

    i have no interest in being objective about an election as important as this one. we as a country have been fucked royally by the reigning party and we need to get them the hell out of office and get ourselves out of the ditch.

    screw objectivity. i'm out for blood.




    :)
    "Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States, Barack Obama."

    "Obama's main opponent in this election on November 4th (was) not John McCain, it (was) ignorance."~Michael Moore

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  • There is no such thing as objectivity when it comes to politics whether it be the average joe/jane or the media
    All I have to do is revel in the everyday....then do it again tomorrow

    They say every sin is deadly but I believe they may be wrong...I'm guilty of all seven and I don't feel too bad at all
  • chopitdownchopitdown Posts: 2,222
    nfanel wrote:
    agreed. john kerry was a weak, weak, candidate. it was like trying to pick the lesser of two evils.

    it seems the dems like to nominate people with grand ideas but seem to lack any real policy or sense of steadfastness. Kerry had decent ideas but was afraid to put off anyone; Obama keeps saying "change" and "different" but won't really get specific on how...he'll say I want to lower "x" raise "x" change "x"...but he's careful not to get too specific so that he doesn't offend someone who may be in his voting base. It seems the repubs are willing to say, here's what we'll do and we don't really care what the other side thinks...and frankly, there's something that people like about being firm in decisions.
    make sure the fortune that you seek...is the fortune that you need
  • saveuplifesaveuplife Posts: 1,173
    Those of you who are saying you can't speak objectively about politics are just wrong.

    The idea of a politics is to win elections. We can speak very objectively about the day in day out moves by each candidate in their attempt to win the election.

    Platforms are not objective.... political science can be.
  • digsterdigster Posts: 1,293
    My objective opinion on the Republican Party, as best I can, is that its initial goals are laudable and ones that everyone can subscribe to...a strong national defense, fiscal responsibility, and personal liberty. These are are laudable qualities, but I feel that in the past twenty years the Republican Party has lost the plot on all these areas, and now employs these social issues into the debate because they know it feeds on people's angers and prejudices.

    I mean, speaking objectively, did anyone think gay marriage was going to be one of the deciding influences of the 04 election till the Republicans made it one?

    So if we're talking about the Republican Party of Eisenhower, even of Nixon to a degree (although he was a crook)...if we can get back to that, I think we'd have some great debates on our hands.
  • it's already been said numerous times here when first announced that she was a wise, strategic pick...what else do ya want? seriously?

    beyond that, it IS a question of subjectivity...what YOU personally believe is the right course of action for the country...and therefore the candidates that best support your personal pov.
    Stay with me...
    Let's just breathe...


    I am myself like you somehow


  • saveuplife wrote:
    On the other side, for all you die-hard Republicans.... Can you say honestly that people are not looking for change when we are on the brink of recession? Can you not say that Obama is very very eloquent speaker who clearly connects with people?

    I don't know what people are looking for....I only know what I am looking for.

    Obama is a good speaker and he obviously does connect with people, but being a good speaker doesn't mean his qualified to be president. It doesn't matter that he is young and charismatic and handsome...he is an easy sell based on those things but we aren't talking about electing a high school homecoming queen here. He is flatly not experienced enough to hold the position....I've fallen short of being objective I suppose, but I think even a dem -- one able to be objective -- wouldn't be able to deny that. I do hear he is one hell of a writer though
    All I have to do is revel in the everyday....then do it again tomorrow

    They say every sin is deadly but I believe they may be wrong...I'm guilty of all seven and I don't feel too bad at all
  • mammasanmammasan Posts: 5,656
    chopitdown wrote:
    it seems the dems like to nominate people with grand ideas but seem to lack any real policy or sense of steadfastness. Kerry had decent ideas but was afraid to put off anyone; Obama keeps saying "change" and "different" but won't really get specific on how...he'll say I want to lower "x" raise "x" change "x"...but he's careful not to get too specific so that he doesn't offend someone who may be in his voting base. It seems the repubs are willing to say, here's what we'll do and we don't really care what the other side thinks...and frankly, there's something that people like about being firm in decisions.

    I'm not a fan of Obama but I have disagree with you. I have read Obama's economic policy and it is very detailed. I may not agree with it but he definitely lays it out there for everyone. If anything McCain has been the candidate who is being vague and throwing out grand ideas with no support.
    "When one gets in bed with government, one must expect the diseases it spreads." - Ron Paul
  • Solat13Solat13 Posts: 6,996
    I found these poll results interesting:

    Over half of U.S. voters (51%) think reporters are trying to hurt Sarah Palin with their news coverage, and 24% say those stories make them more likely to vote for Republican presidential candidate John McCain in November.

    Forty-two percent of unaffiliated voters (42%) say Obama has better experience to be president, but 37% say Palin does.

    Among unaffiliated voters, 49% say reporters are trying to hurt Palin, while 32% say their coverage is unbiased. Only five percent (5%) say reporters are trying to help her.

    Voters are more ambivalent about whether the media coverage of Palin and her family reflects a double standard that treats women worse than men. Forty-six percent (46%) say it does, but 35% disagree. Most Republicans and unaffiliated voters say the stories show the media's double standard against women, but a majority of Democrats disagree.

    The findings, nevertheless, are troublesome for the embattled news industry and parallel what voters said in surveys earlier this summer. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of voters now believe most reporters try to help the candidate they want to win, and 49% believe reporters are trying to help Obama this year. Only 14% think they are trying to help McCain. In another survey, 55% said media bias is a bigger problem for the electoral process than large campaign donations.

    Women voters by a 48% to 35% margin believe the coverage of Palin reveals a double standard in the media.

    http://news.yahoo.com/s/rasmussen/palinmedia20080904
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  • Solat13 wrote:
    I found these poll results interesting:

    Over half of U.S. voters (51%) think reporters are trying to hurt Sarah Palin with their news coverage, and 24% say those stories make them more likely to vote for Republican presidential candidate John McCain in November.

    Forty-two percent of unaffiliated voters (42%) say Obama has better experience to be president, but 37% say Palin does.

    Among unaffiliated voters, 49% say reporters are trying to hurt Palin, while 32% say their coverage is unbiased. Only five percent (5%) say reporters are trying to help her.

    Voters are more ambivalent about whether the media coverage of Palin and her family reflects a double standard that treats women worse than men. Forty-six percent (46%) say it does, but 35% disagree. Most Republicans and unaffiliated voters say the stories show the media's double standard against women, but a majority of Democrats disagree.

    The findings, nevertheless, are troublesome for the embattled news industry and parallel what voters said in surveys earlier this summer. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of voters now believe most reporters try to help the candidate they want to win, and 49% believe reporters are trying to help Obama this year. Only 14% think they are trying to help McCain. In another survey, 55% said media bias is a bigger problem for the electoral process than large campaign donations.

    Women voters by a 48% to 35% margin believe the coverage of Palin reveals a double standard in the media.

    http://news.yahoo.com/s/rasmussen/palinmedia20080904




    christ...this shit is infuriating. how about voters focus on ISSUES, and not simply how they perceive media coverage?

    and damn, i wish i remembered what thread it was....but i think raindog? posted a link that actually showed that obama got more negative coverage than mccain, even if he did get more coverage overall.....but this was back around the time of his speech in germany.


    none the less....way NOT to focus on what's important.

    and btw - as a woman, i really don't find any 'double-standard' towards palin, at ALL. anyhoo...if she weren't a female, she wouldn't even BE on the podium, so that right there is a double-standard in action.
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  • chopitdownchopitdown Posts: 2,222
    mammasan wrote:
    I'm not a fan of Obama but I have disagree with you. I have read Obama's economic policy and it is very detailed. I may not agree with it but he definitely lays it out there for everyone. If anything McCain has been the candidate who is being vague and throwing out grand ideas with no support.

    fair enough. I guess here's where I'm coming from. If you look at each candidates position, in the media on a superficial level (as many do) then you'll get the left saying change and we'll give you more and the right saying war and we won't tax you as much as the other guy (very stereotypical, but you get my point). If you do your homework and read the websites etc... you'll get good information. I was thinking back to a news video I saw where people said they liked Obama b/c of change but couldn't really say one thing about the change. Granted, those could have been the only people who couldn't say what change they were excited about.
    make sure the fortune that you seek...is the fortune that you need
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