As we approach the final year of President Obama’s first term in office, it’s time for candidates to start announcing their intent to run, claim nominations, raise campaign funds and start building their political platforms.
It’s also time for me to start looking at what exactly I’m looking for in our future leader. As this is the first presidential election that I can vote in, I’m both excited and fearful about the results.
I am one person, one voice, one vote in a state that has given its electoral votes to the Democratic nominee for the past five presidential elections. So, really, does my vote even count? But what if everyone in my party thinks that, and then my vote actually does count? It’s only autumn of 2011 … isn’t it a little early to start thinking about this? I mean, so much will change between now and then; it’s way too early to start stressing. Why is this so confusing?
It’s not personal, it’s politics.
But to me, politics is personal. It’s made up of my opinions, values and beliefs. There are many factors when it comes to a candidate, and I think it’s important to look at some that will often come into play over the next year.
Let’s start with political parties. In all honesty, I hate political parties because they’re biased and lead into gridlock. Unfortunately, that’s how candidates get funding for campaigns and votes, so it cannot be avoided. But looking at a candidate’s willingness to step outside of his party’s agenda and compromise will help me decide whether or not he is fit to run this country.
You may have noticed that I’ve been using male pronouns when discussing the future president. This is because of a warranted bias when it comes to women in politics. I mean, look at Michele “History Writer” Bachmann, Christine “Not a Witch” O’Donnell and, you betcha, Sarah “Maverick” Palin.
But in all honesty, I’m looking for someone who has experience in politics, but hasn’t been in them long enough to get jaded. After a while, I find that the man-eat-man world of politics can affect a candidate’s ability to see both sides of an issue and he will remain less likely to compromise and step outside of the comfort zone of his political affiliation.
I’m also looking for someone that I can relate to. Seriously, why would I want a president who is completely out of touch with my lifestyle? Or someone who doesn’t share a single one of my values or has a horrid personality? I’d much rather vote for the guy who doesn’t look like a sleazeball who’s ready to screw me over. I’d choose the nice guy any day.
Now, this probably sounds superficial, but physical appearance is important to me. I’m not saying that the president has to be an 11 on a low-to-high scale of 1-10, but I’d like to be able to stand seeing his face on TV, in the newspaper and on the Internet. Additionally, the way that someone presents himself physically says a lot about his personality. For example, if he is physically fit, it shows that he supports a healthy lifestyle, which is important because of the rising obesity rates in the USA.
Let’s break down some of my favorite potential presidential candidates (in no particular order):
1.Sarah Palin- Not officially in the race, but “you betcha” she’s going to run because no one else is maverick-y enough to be president, and she’s just like you.
2.Michele Bachmann- Who cares about incorrect facts when you have a strong campaigner who will make promises to change from a history that never actually happened?
3.President Barack Obama- You can’t blame the man for trying to make change that never happened because we had/have a gridlocked Congress who won’t pass bills out of spite for one another.
4.Herman Cain- As a capitalistic society in the midst of financial ruin, perhaps we could use a slice of this guy … but his complete lack of experience as a politician shows he won’t deliver.
5.Mitt Romney- In all honesty, I think this guy has a serious shot. I mean, this guy fulfills four out of my five criteria; he’s been accused of being moderate, and he’ll be trying hard to prove that he’s a true red, white-not-blue Republican.
So, yes, the President will have some flaws. But is it truly that hard to find someone who’s a perfect balance between liberal and conservative, has the country’s best interest at heart and a charisma that’s warmer than the sun?
