Posted by Dinah on October 29, 2006, at 9:55:38
In reply to Political attack ads?, posted by Racer on October 28, 2006, at 15:11:16
Unless I really like the candidate for other reasons, and am willing to overlook the dependence on questionable campaign advice, or unless both candidates are engaging equally, it backfires on me. In the last election, there was a race that could go either way for me in that I wasn't too fond of anyone. I chose the one who wasn't responding in kind to negative ads.
But pandering bothers me just as much. I was at a meeting led by a candidate I had immense respect for and had supported more than I usually support any candidate. I was appalled to find this intelligent sophisticated person clearly pandering to the not necessarily progressive ideas of his audience. At least he wasn't good enough at it to hide the fact that he was doing it.
It is so rare that I find a candidate I respect both for outward platforms and also when I see the candidate at smaller forums where flaws are more visible. I think at the moment, the number of living politicians that I wholeheartedly support number exactly one. And I nervously wonder if I know him well enough.
But if push comes to shove, I'd rather vote for a candidate who doesn't hold the same viewpoint on issues but who shows clear strength of character and integrity. On those occasions where that's an option. :)
poster:Dinah
thread:698515
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20061009/msgs/698673.html