I want to preface this post by saying that I am not going permanently political on you- this is just a question raised by your average Joe...well, your average Jane.
Is it wrong to base your choice of a presidential candidate on one issue?
EXAMPLE:
(Not trying to start a debate here, just using this for the purpose of example because it is a heated topic.)
Let's say that you are Pro-Life but your other political views fall in the Democratic camp.
(or Pro-Choice but Republican)
My question is: Can you justify making your decision for who will run the country based on that one issue? It is an issue that most people have very strong opinions about no matter what "side" they are on. OR- Is it okay to ignore one issue (that is rather important) and choose the candidate who is more representative of your overall view?
I don't have the answer at this moment. As election day looms, this is just something I have been thinking about. What is the best way to be a responsible citizen and at the same time stay true to your beliefs?
3 comments:
Great question :) I wouldn't say to ignore any issue or multiple issues- mix 'em all up and see where the majority falls. A lot of folks might argue that one issue is so evil, it outweighs every other issue.
The problem I see with that is this: a candidate's campaign platform doesn't necessarily translate into successful results. Let's use your example of pro-life/choice. Bill Clinton's platform stated he was pro-choice. But during his 8 yrs in office, the number of abortions actually *declined* - probably due to his anti-poverty actions.
So one could be pro-life, but work on means OTHER than the legal system to reduce/eliminate aborions. Complicated, no?
BTW, the Catholic Church's official stance is NOT to tell people who to vote for! It does, however, state that everyone needs an informed conscience (i.e. think & learn about the candidates/issues and morality). It will "lean" toward certain issues (!) but always goes back to the individual / informed conscience.
What a hot-button issue! I'm not exactly wise in the ways of politics, and I COMPLETELY understand your dilemma. I know some people vote based on one issue because they feel so strongly about that one. But personally, I feel that I will most likely never agreed with a candidate 100%, so I look at the choices and weigh where they stand on multiple issues that are important to me. So unfortunately, at least for me, that means that I end up voting for someone who may stand in a very different position that I'd like on certain points. But overall the best choice according to my views. Not sure if that makes sense...
And then I agree with knj that it also depends on what kind of action they will be able to take as president.
I don't know, it's hard to know what's best. I wish we could have a little future-cam that would let us see life in 4 years with each of the candidates as president, and then decide. :)
I wish I could believe that most Americans are THIS thoughtful when election day arrives...good thoughts ladies!
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