Just Two Votes - Chapter 1, Iowa Caucus

Posted by Melissa Carter at 1/4/2008 6:22 PM
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: gay Obama Melissa Bert Show Democrats Bert Show Q100 Democrat elections votes democratic Katie Jo

It's an Election year, and there will be plenty of analysis and media outlets in 2008 trying to speculate on who the next President of the United States will be.  But what about an average voter? What does she or he really think about what's happening? 

That's what Just Two Votes is - My and Katie Jo's debate on the candidates and issues as the year moves forward, with each revealing who they vote for come November 4th! 

Melissa:  PUT DOWN THE REMOTE

The Oprah-factor works.

That's the first thought I had when seeing the results of the Iowa caucus, and Barack Obama's victory on the Democratic side.  But I have concerns about Oprah Winfrey's campaign efforts for Obama in Iowa, and supporters voting for her rather than him.

We're talking about the President of the United States, the leader of our country.  And I'd rather know the average American is voting with her/his heart and mind instead of a remote.

Yes, it may be naive, but I'm still idealistic when it comes to politics.

So what about Obama and Mike Huckabee, who won the Republican caucus? The point of a victory is to get more people interested in you, right?

On Obama's website it says, "I'm asking you to believe.  Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington...I'm asking you to believe in yours."

Exactly what change is he talking about? We have to elect a new President, so there will be change in the White House regardless of who's elected.

On Huckabee's website it says, "I think the country is looking for somebody who is vertical, who is thinking, Let's take America up and not down."

Vertical.  But again, exactly what will take America up?

I have to really work this year to make sure I'm not a remote-control voter myself, and that my vote is not cheaply given to whoever has the most name-recognition.

Katie Jo:   FIELD OF DREAMS

The field of candidates running for president feels special, for a lot of Americans, it is a dream to see these faces and to know they actually have a shot.  A black, a woman, a mormon, a socially liberal republican, a war vet, a trial lawyer.  Ok. maybe  not that last one but I believe I am seeing a historic election.  At least I hope so.  But I am not sure if "historic" is what we need.  

I just want to live in a better country than I do now.  America has more potential for greatness than any concept ever devised by mankind.  So, like the zen master said.....We'll see.

Iowa:

If Oprah builds it, they will come.  That cornfield in the Midwest is not Heaven, it's Iowa.....so don't get too excited Barack. Just enjoy the game.  But just like that movie, watching Obama win in Iowa just felt good.   I am proud of a state that is about 150% white voting for him and I am sad and sure that the same will not happen in the South.  But if Hillary has the nomination, she can't take the South in a general election either.  

The reality is I don't know if I will even end up voting Democrat.  My fear has been walking in to vote and staring down at a ballot with John McCain running with Joe Lieberman.  That would be a great and capable ticket and it would make it hard for any Democrat to win.  The question has to be:  Who is the best for the job?  It can't be: Who is the most historic nominee?
 

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  • 1/5/2008 1:23 PM Jill Dotter wrote:
    Thoughtful analysis, Melissa & Katie Jo... I'm with you on several points! Definite potential for a historic election, but that can't be the REASON for the vote I cast. I am also excited to have viable contenders who are black, female, and republican who doesn't believe the government should legislate morality (for the record, I am a conservative Christian, but believe our own choices should legislate morality, not the government...) and hope to see these types of choices continue in further elections, and not see this as a "one hit wonder!"

    As for the "Oprah factor," I think anything that gets people interested in this country's future is a good thing...

    But the biggest point I agree on is this... neither of the leading candidates out of Iowa has any real PLAN or MESSAGE. Big deal if they are "agents of change." Change to what??? I'm hoping that all the candidates are forced to tweak their "platforms" in the coming weeks to contend in Super Tuesday and that we start to see more of a plan and a strategy out of those who really have a chance!!

    Thanks, as always, for a thought-provoking article, Melissa!!!

    ~Jill Dotter
    Marietta, GA
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