Haha, sort of. meant to be a play on the Get Me Into ____ sort of threads in OB. Whatever.

but seriously. This is the first election in which I'll be able to vote, and I'd like to make an informed decision. However, I know very little about the candidates, big issues, etc. I mean, I'm not a complete dunce, but I'd be in way over my head in most threads in this forum. I tend to lean a bit more liberally, I think, but I don't necessarily think I'd classify myself as a democrat just yet. I've been youtube-ing the new hampshire debates. Out of the 4 big 'crats I think I'm leaning most toward Edwards, and out the Republicans I think I'd go for Romney if I had to. I'm trying to keep an open mind about this, rather than the "he sucks because he's a republican/democrat!" angle.

Anyone wanna help out? Useful links? Stuff like that?

Well, there's a lot of different ways you could go about this. The thing about politics is that there's no 'right answer', so someone can't just come into this thread and say you should support ___ and believe ___ because of ___. Someone else will have an equally valid opposing view. You could always just go by issue identification, like I care about issue x and candidate y agrees with me. Some people just go by likability, the perceived character traits that a candidate may have, or the ideals that are most important to a particular party.

What issues do you feel most strongly about?

Good question. In terms of Iraq, I think we should get out of there as quickly as possible, but at the same time I think we should finish what we started so the whole thing wasn't a big waste. but there....I really don't know what exactly I'm talking about. I don't know the logistics of any of it. I side with the democrats on this, from what I've seen.

Then there's abortion. I'm quite against the practice, but I think it should be the woman's decision, not the government's.

Those are the only two big issues I feel like I know enough about to form a solid opinion, I guess. Health care, budget, etc, I'd be completely talking out of my ass.

I hate to admit it, but I'm sure that a good majority of the people that are into political debate in this country are into it as a form of drama/entertainment. Not necessarily a bad thing but it is a bit distancing.

Uninformed people tend to get burned the most at the voting booth, in a democratic society the only thing that keeps a politician's feet to the flames is your voice. It's a cliche but it's true.

in before da LW...

Yeah, I'm kind of interested in his take here though.

I agree. I'd start with a good solid relatively neutral political blog, and then go to their linked blog sites and go to their linked sites, and you'll find a wide variety of views by many knowledgable people and you'll find who you agree with and who you don't. You'll learn a lot about a lot of subjects pretty quickly. Within a few months, well before the election in the fall, you should not only know where you stand, but why, and how to identify good and bullshit arguments from candidates and pundits.

thanks a lot for this link.

It's easy. Think of the three most important things in your life; say it's family, friends, and health. Now think about what effects them negatively.. is it the war? Lack of insurance? Crime? Now ask yourself, how did it come to be like this? There is usually one answer: politicians. Now rant against them here because it's really all any of us can do.

There are several presidential candidate quizzes but I liked this one the best
http://www.speakout.com/VoteMatch/senate2006.asp?quiz=2008
I had my wife take it because there is a link to each topic that explains both sides of the issue. I know many candidates have dropped out of the race by now but you can still see how your values align.

My best adivce is to read and watch political commentary on both sides. If your pro-choice, don't only expose yourself to columunist who is also pro-choice. Challenge yourself and your views, and keep an open mind.

sorry - double post

Stay away as long as you can. The more you try to get interested in politics, the more you will learn that all politicians are nothing more than liars who constantly spew empty promises...and they are not held accountable.

They take whatever side is throwing the most money at them, and their agendas are to promote themselves - not to better the country as they would try and lead you to believe.

You'll become jaded on politics...like me!