[SKUNKY]

Anybody who desires to be president of the United States should be automatically disqualified.

[parsig9]

I voted but my real choice is non of the above.

May be a Libertarian year for me fellas.

[Epapazian]

Over the years, I have split about equally between the two parties when it comes to presidential contests. Indeed, I have voted for and against three presidential candidates/presidents after changing my mind about them once they got into office. Unfortunately, our political system has been taken over by extremists on both sides, aided and abetted by a biased media----including most newspapers and magazines, talk radio, the TV networks and now, hordes of totally irresponsible Internet websites and bloggers. As a result, the candidates put up by both parties waffle in all directions, trying to appease various extreme sentiments, and you never know where they really stand. Last, but not least, the public never gives its presidential choice enough like-minded congressmen or senators to enact meaningful legislation, with gridlock, the inevitable result.

As for the current crop of candidates, I would like to see a truly qualified woman and/or an African-American run for this vitally important office. Frankly, this is long overdue. But we are engaged in a no-holds barred war with a new kind of enemy, that may go on for decades. Sadly, a lot of Americans don't seem to realize how serious this threat is, prattling instead about "the economy" to the pollsters---as they do in virtually every election cycle. So, I'm not very sanguine about the upcoming election and the likelihood that any of the candidates will really give the nation the level of leadership it deserves. The only positive development will be the departure of our current well-intentioned but hopelessly inept "leader".

[wmosner]

If you want a Libertarain you have to vote for Ron Paul. He is the closest thing out there to a third party candidate.

[PappyB]

With all due respect to opposing viewpoints, after the last 8 years ANYONE other than a Republican is fine by me.

I've never alligned myself against one party or the other, until the last election that is.

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by parsig9

I voted but my real choice is non of the above.

May be a Libertarian year for me fellas.

None of the above for me.

[Gambit]

We have a three, sometimes four party system up here in the great white north which I don't particularly like as the dear leader does not receive a majority vote.

Remember Ross Perot and Clinton!

As to Free Health Care, be careful for what you wish for.

The money has to come from somewhere, its either higher taxes or you can say goodbye to some of your aircraft carriers, submarines and air wings.

[DADoser]

Where is the "anyone but Clinton" poll option?

I would just hope that a McCain vs. Obama general election race would produce a more focused debate , a campaign of ideas (yes, Obama would be forced to present his substance along with his "Yes we can" positive message) and a clear diference in candidates/choice.

Ideology aside, I think both McCain and Obama have the most opportunity(potential) to unite a clearly partisan divided nation. (Whoever wins, needs to speak to the entire country - not the 51% +/- who elects them.)

(Ideology is fine, but at some point - leading the ENTIRE country has to take the front seat, and "divisivness" be thrown out of the car. BOTH parties could sacrifice some of their wedge issues in the name of personal freedom/liberty and a unified people.)

[I'm not sure I have much hope for a "change in the way Washington does business" regardless of who becomes the next president.]

[trex0770]

Originally Posted by Gambit

We have a three, sometimes four party system up here in the great white north which I don't particularly like as the dear leader does not receive a majority vote.

Remember Ross Perot and Clinton!

As to Free Health Care, be careful for what you wish for.

The money has to come from somewhere, its either higher taxes or you can say goodbye to some of your aircraft carriers, submarines and air wings.

Exactly Gambit! See my earlier post concerning Hillary's plan to garnish your wages if you don't adhere to her health care plan (you can also google the interview with George Stephanopoulos from Sun. Feb. 3, 2008!! Scarey stuff and even scarier considering Obama makes Hillary look like a conservative.

[no4mkit]

There's not a conservative in the bunch so I wouldn't vote for any of them. Is it any wonder the Republican turnout was half that of Dems on Super Tuesday?

I have a sinking feeling that whoever we get will be bad enough to make Bush look good!