Thread: Who DID you vote for?

I'm with sixgun on needing more equal access for parties. I don't fully understand the reason the two big parties are the only ones that actually have a chance of competing. I fall in line iwth the libertarian ideals most of the time. there was one candidate I liked but am not going to vote for because it is just a throw away.

I believe part of it is financing, but part of it is just that entrenched republican and democrat crap. I'm very disappointed this year too, then again I was disappointed the last two presidential elections as well. Hell, I probably won't be happy till they bring Teddy back.

Red

Originally Posted by Big Red

I'm with sixgun on needing more equal access for parties. I don't fully understand the reason the two big parties are the only ones that actually have a chance of competing. ...

Red

I don't fully understand it either. It's evidently structural, because the U.S. has gravitated strongly to two parties, and two parties only, from very nearly the beginning of our history. I have read that it has to do with our not having a parliamentary system of government like Canada and most European countries, but have to admit I don't know enough about parliamentary government to fully understand the connection.

We're not about to change the fundamental structures of our government as written into the Constitution. It does seem to me, though, that we could at least look into some form of instant-runoff voting, where you rank your choices on the ballot, and if your first choice doesn't make the cut, your vote goes to the second and so on. That would let people like Ralph Nader or Ron Paul, or parties like the Greens or Libertarians, be in the race without being regarded as spoilers. We might still end up with two major parties, but other parties could at least have a stronger chance at influencing policy.

~Rich

I woke up at 6am this morning and turned on the TV to find out how the US voted.

Can I just say my respect for all Americans increased immeasurably when I found out the result. I had been concerned that even in this day and age race would still be a factor and McCain would get in despite what the polls say. Its one thing to say you'll vote for Obama but at the actual election nobody sees who you vote for.

Some of you will be pleased simply to not have Palin for a VP. Those people will no doubt be pleased.

So America I commend you. Congratulations.