Negativity in Presidential Politics

[Gustaf]

It's gonna be worse...and the poll is unanimous so far...

[Gustaf]

Thanks to all who voted.  Clearly, this wasn't a randomly selected sample, but the results are telling.  

We have 18 votes Yes (100%) and zero votes otherwise.  This is reassuring, and gives me optimism.

First, if anyone had selected no, I'd assume dishonesty, so it says that no matter how much we may disagree, except for the usual smartass remarks, we're all being honest in this forum.  Dave Liep has done an excellent job here, as evidenced by the quality of the users.

Obviously, the third choice is pretty much a tacit admission one thinks negatively.  I whine and moan quite a bit about negativity, stereotyping, and general lack of effort to compromise (appreciate the hypocrisy), but the fact that everyone chose the more serious 'yes' option is at least an admission of negativity rather than an attack.

Good news indeed.  Yes, it'll be a much nastier campaign than last time, or so that's what everyone believes, but not as nasty as it might be.  Read some accounts of the 1876 election, or take a look at C-SPAN programming of those nasty House of Commons debates.  Maybe Bush and Kerry, both respectable statesmen, will come out of this alive.

Kerry survived Vietnam, he should be able to make this. And Bush...well, I won't say why I think he'll survive this, since I don't want risk accusation of being negative...

[Gustaf]

"Anyone who runs is a viet cong.
 Anyone who stands still is a well-trained viet cong."
                   --From Full Metal Jacket

Bush survived vietnam too.  The smart way.

Yeah, but I meant psychological survival, and I don't see his psyche getting tested by joining the National Guard instead of fighting in Vietnam.

"How can you have a peace sign on your jacket and born to kill on your helmet?

- I think I was trying to say something about the dualism of man, sir. You know, that Jungian thing."

Also from Full Metal Jacket.

[Gustaf]

Gustaf,

Some people need to kick cats to prove that they are a man, others need to kill gooks.  I see nothing noble and honorable about that.  I am the odd republican that would be much less likely to vote for someone who volunteers for an unpopular imperial war of choice and then, 30 years later, has his henchmen go after the guy who made the smart choice to avoid that nastiness.  I see from your sig file that you supported Iraq.  I did not.  That is not my brand of conservatism.  Nevertheless, anybody that says Bush is wrong for wanting to live is f**cked in the head.  The same survival instinct that made him join the Guard maybe is what is causing the doctrine of Pre-emption.  I'll have to think about that.   But, I'll not brainwash myself into thinking that Kerry is somehow nobler because he knows how to kill, up close and personal.

You should check out "Reflections of Evil" by Damon Packard.  It's a very low budget irreverent film about consumerism in the USA.  Lots of ripped-off footage.  He was sued by Spielberg, Lucas, FOX news, and many many others.   Violent language, mind you.  Very violent.

I didn't support the Vietnam War. I do find it hypocritical and distasteful to without hestitation send other people to die while never being prepared to do so himself. I of course wouldn't vote for someone just b/c he fought in a war, that would be ridiculous.

[Gustaf]

In all seriousness, Kghadial, if you've read my posts, you know how offensive I find such exploitation.  You make an excellent point.  

Rightwingnut, in another post, suggests that if George would just come on out, admit possible intelligence failures (I can see the jokes coming, enough already), then he'd look magnanimous and have a much easier reelection bid.  

I'll say again, I didn't vote for him last time, but I was genuinely impressed with the president during those days following the attacks, and maybe I'm looking for a reason to vote for him.  He and I have many many disagreements, but I think he has shown himself to be an honorable CEO.  Normally, when you pay big money for eggheads to tell you what to do, you follow their advice, but I think if bush would just go with his intuition, he'd be okay.  

Zachman, you make an good point as well.  But, if I had to guess, I'd guess that more veterans still will vote for Bush than Kerry, based on available statistics.

Haha, intelligence failures, that...what?, OK then, I'll be quiet...