Obama or McCain for President?
Tips to Figure Out Who to Vote For
Oct 7, 2008 Laura Block-Stewart
If the television and/or the radio are on, it is impossible to miss information about the upcoming election. As a matter of fact, as the election nears people are barraged by information about the election everywhere they turn. It seems as though every commercial is related to "Campaign 2008" and as the race between Obama and McCain continues, it keeps getting dirtier by the minute. For all who are undecided about their vote, here is some pertinent information to help guide voters for election 2008
Don’t Believe Everything That is Said
People have strong beliefs about their candidate and most people appear to be more than willing to share information about their candidate as well as negative information about the opponent, whether the information is factual or not. It can be disheartening to continually hear negative information about both parties whether in the media or at political events. Unfortunately, a lot of this information is either factually incorrect or altered slightly so as to change the meaning. For instance, after both debates, "fact checkers" quickly found that both parties shared incorrect information. It is extremely important to remember that all of the information either during the debates, in newspapers, on-line, on television, etc., is not always correct. Therefore, don’t believe everything that is said.
Even at non-political events, it is amazing the amount of factually incorrect information people are spewing out of their mouths prior to this election. Why do people feel comfortable sharing information that they did not take the time to research to determine whether it was correct before they shared it? Remember people from both parties are "over sharing" erroneous information.
Ignore the Negative Comments
Information about the McCain’s relationship with the Keating 5 and Obama’s personal ties has been highlighted and will continue for the next few weeks. Even more dirt than we ever imagined will also be shared from each party as well. Ignore all of the negative information and base the decision on what the candidates have done and what they support.
Stay Within Party Lines?
This election is one of the most critical elections in United States history. In the past, many political advisors would suggest voting within the party that one typically supports. This election is going to be different. People know their needs to be change and each person who is voting has the responsibility to clearly understand why they are voting for a candidate.
Research both Candidates
It is important to truly understand whom you are backing in this election. With the state of the economy, concern about where the United States stands as a world leader, health care issues, the war, etc., it is imperative that an informed decision is made prior to voting. Conversing with your peers, listening to people at dinner parties, social situations, and commercials is not the best way to make an informed decision. Read about what each candidate believes in and do some research about Obama’s and McCain’s plans for the future. For real substantive information, go to the candidates website and read about both Obama’s and McCain’s plans as president.
Read substantive newspaper articles about each candidate but remember that some newspapers tend to sway their reporting. Choose newspapers that are know for sharing information for both parties equally. Go ahead and read the information, look at the polls, converse with friends, and feel free to listen to the advertisements, but base the decision on cold hard facts and choose to support the candidate that has the best qualities to run this great country.
More in Politics & Society
Latest Articles