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Feeling Betrayed by my own Party

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Jonathan and Associates, Inc

Even before I was able to vote, I understood the responsibility and looked forward to making sure that my vote counted.  Since I'm not that old, I have only participated in a handful of elections but I have felt as if I was doing my job as a American to choose the best candidate.  I have voted for both parties regardless of affiliation because I researched each candidate thoroughly and found those who I felt would do the best job.  I would have never thought of not casting a vote because not doing so would be unamerican.  But that's just what I may do. 

I am feeling betrayed by the Republican party.  Party leaders to some extent but I'm feeling most betrayed by those who are claiming to have voted for John McCain in the primaries thus far.  Of all the candidates on the republican side of the ticket to choose from, he's the one I would not vote for under any circumstances.  I'd go for Ron Paul over McCain any day and I think he's kooky.  When I look at the field of candidates running as a whole to become our next President, I want someone who is at the very least honest, principled, a leader, and will stand up for his position even when it seems the world is against him but is willing to change based on facts.  I don't see that in Senator McCain. 

He runs to the other side of the political isle as soon as he sees fit (remember when he was thought to be switching parties...that was no coincidence), he's openly lied about his stance on illegal immigration, he's more angry than optimistic, and now he's lying about his opponents to make himself look more conservative.  I expect these tactics out of the Clintons but not from my own party.  A few months ago, John McCain was on with a local talk show host and he was discussing his campaign and the topic switched to illegal immigration.  The link will play his interview so that you can judge for youself.  Just before the South Carolina primary, he stance changed from one of amnesty to one of being tough on the border and anti-illegal immigration thanks to a slew of campaign ads.  All of us here in Charlotte thougth the McCain ads were a parody because it was a complete 180. 

I'm not a one issue guy.  I'm very concerned with the economy.  Listening to the state of the union the other night, I loved that President Bush acklowledged that taxes are too high and that not voting to make the tax cuts permanent is a tax increase.  You also have to love that he said that the government will take donations in the form of checks and money orders.  BRILLIANT!  I am one of those guys.  As a small business owner and soon to be father, I'm perplexed how anyone would think that raising mine or anyone's taxes are good for anyone.  If you want me to stimulate the economy, keep taxes low so I won't be paying on my student loans when my son is entering college.  John McCain voted against the tax cuts, but that's ok.  If I were spending your money, I guess I would fight as hard as I could to spend a much money that's not mine as possible too. 

Super Tuesday should be interesting.  The news stations have been running free McCain ads for months, even when he was barely on the radar and being beaten by everyone.  But as for me, it will be the biggest factor of this upcoming election.  If it looks as if Romney, Ron Paul, or even Huckabee doesn't emerge as a front runner, I would just as soon switch parties and vote Democrat or third party.  After all, lets not kid ourselves, McCain can't win.  He may be a media darling for his turncoat style but conservates won't vote for him and given the choice of an entheusiastic young Obama vs an negative old McCain with 25 years in Washington, it will be the largest landslide in history. 

I've never understood the need for a third party.  My voice has always been heard to some extent...until now.   

 

Brian Schulman
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Lancaster PA - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster County PA RealEstate Expert 717-951-5552
Jonathan, my biggest concern is that if McCain wins the nomination, Republicans will not be enthusiastic enough about him to vote in great enough numbers to win the election.  He's not my favorite candidate either.
Jan 29, 2008 11:44 PM
Jonathan Osman
Jonathan and Associates, Inc - Charlotte, NC
Charlotte House Hunter Group
Sometimes Brian, taking one for the team just isn't what's best as a whole.  I hope that the more conservative portion of our party doesn't allow this to happen but its a liklihood in the areas
Jan 29, 2008 11:50 PM
Mike Frazier
Carousel Realty of Dyer County - Dyersburg, TN
Northwest Tennessee Realtor

Jonathan,

McCain is not my choice but if it comes down to McCain verses Hillary or Obama, surely you will vote the lesser of two evils.

Jan 30, 2008 01:36 AM
» Bill Burress Nationwide Mortgage Originator
» Bill Burress Nationwide Mortgage Originator - Fort Myers, FL

Jonathan:

This might be one of those presidential elections when you have to hold your nose and vote for X ?

Jan 30, 2008 04:26 AM
Jonathan Osman
Jonathan and Associates, Inc - Charlotte, NC
Charlotte House Hunter Group

Mike;

I'm not sure that I will vote for the lesser of two evils.  I see it this way.  We've all had jobs where we've been screwed by our higher-ups. Eventually you've got to quit and move on to a better place.  The Dems are not a better place but I'm not going to just vote just because.  If we vote in full for McCain and he loses (which he will), what's next?  Will the GOP run John Edwards next as a republican?  If they see how poorly McCain is supported, they'd have to reconsider their direction.  This is why I've felt that all the McCain support in the media was a way to help the dems because real conservates like me won't go for him. 

I'd rather not vote for president and just stick to local issues this go round.

Jan 30, 2008 04:32 AM
Jan Wood
None - Gallatin, TN
Jonathan:  I feel betrayed too.  Can you believe the Florida vote... makes me sick.  If Crist had not endorsed McCain, I believe Romney would have won that State.  It was a tricky move at the last minute that got McCain the votes.  Hillary will eat McCain alive... you just wait and see.  You are correct, my friend, the media loves it.  It is going to help Hillary more than McCain.
Jan 30, 2008 12:33 PM
Jonathan Osman
Jonathan and Associates, Inc - Charlotte, NC
Charlotte House Hunter Group

I think Crist but more so Huckabee is responsible for McCain's vote.  Down here in the Bible belt, folks are (and I truly hate to say it) blindly following and will vote for Huckabee just because he's a former Baptist minister.  Plus many here believe Mormonism is a cult.  So Huckabee's role in this race now is to siphon off votes that would go for Romney if he weren't in the race. 

Let's face it... he can't win and he's so far back, he should drop out to help the conservative movement. 

Jan 31, 2008 12:24 AM