Out of curiosity: Who are you planning to vote for?
I just approved a Blogad for Fred Thompson but I thought I should post a clarification that we're still undecided who we are voting for. We are planning to vote Republican (at least in the primaries!), but we've not completely settled on a candidate. The fact that I posted a Fred Thompson ad tells you that we've not ruled him out yet, though.
So, I'm curious, who are you planning to vote for?
Remember, this is not a debate, just a question that I'm genuinely curious about concerning my readership. Keep your comments civil and considerate and I'll be glad to post them!
So, I'm curious, who are you planning to vote for?
Remember, this is not a debate, just a question that I'm genuinely curious about concerning my readership. Keep your comments civil and considerate and I'll be glad to post them!
posted by Crystal Paine at 3:01 PM
124 Comments:
Ron Paul in the primaries. If he doesn't win I won't vote in the general election.
www.ronpaul2008.com
Mrs. S.
We haven't decided on a candidate yet and won't until post-primaries- I'm registered independent and the Mr. is not yet a citizen (though he has his first citizenship interview next month, yay!).
I've voted on candidates from both primaries in the past, but so far all I've done is eliminate McCain and any Democrat who promotes the dreaded "required health insurance for everyone" nonsense (really, since when has everyone been acting as though health insurance is the equivalent of health care? As though the former guarantees the latter?). I think that this will end up being one of the polarizing issues for us in the next election.
Our local elections are next month and I am looking forward to those. Next year's may be the first in which the Mr. gets to participate as well, so that would be a great family milestone!
Ron Paul or Huckabee. Between those 2 at this point. I don't think Thompson is conservative enough.
We really like Mike Huckabee.
We really like Mike Huckabee.
We really like Mike Huckabee.
I would LOVE to see Mike Huckabee get the funding and attention that I think he deserves. I'm not impressed with the character or some of the social policies of Thompson, Guiliani or McCain, so if Huckabee doesn't make it I'd like to see Romney win the nomination.
Our family plans to vote for Ron Paul since he is a Christian and stands strictly on the Constitution. I won't say anymore except that he is a breath of fresh air and his support has been greatly increasing lately.
I really like Mike Huckabee also. However, I don't think he is "electable". I am not impressed with any of the front runners. We are very conservative and we would love to see a true conservative candidate win. I guess when it gets down to it, in the general election, we will vote for the "lesser of the two evils."
i'm a registered independent, but i'd like to vote for obama - none of the republicans do much for me at this point...and in the past i've always voted republican. (not interested in other dems tho') - romney is interesting, but i'm not sure how i feel about him being mormon - maybe that's bad, but just being honest right now.
I'm not sure...I wish we could vote for none of the above, because that is how I often feel about politicians. I blogged about it recently how I hate the fact that I feel like many of these folks chant "family values" and "pro life' just to get votes....I'd like to see someone whose constitutional views and fiscal policies reflect the needs of middle class working Americans, while still standing strong on moral issues.
I am leaning to Ron Paul and my dh likes Huckabee. I am registered as an Independent.
We are voting for Ron Paul. If you want to see where candidates stand, go to www.MSNBC.com and do the Matrix. It is a grid set up so you scroll down to a topic (such as health care), then scroll over to the cadidate and a box will pop up telling their stand on the subject along with pertinent video.
Mike Huckabee! We have joined his team!! :)
Carla
We are completely disappointed overall with our choices and therefore, don't have a favorite yet.
Jamala Wade from Arkansas
I am a die hard Democrat so Barack Obama is my choice, but if he does not win the primaries and Huckabee does, I will switch parties and vote for him, I had the opportunity to work for him in state government and he is an awesome leader... But I am a die hard Obama fan-Sorry :(
Probably Mike Huckaby. He seems to be the most conservative and someone who will actually stick up for his values if he gets elected and not toss them aside.
Our family is also still undecided, but praying! However, I would like to pass along these very interesting articles (please do not think this is necessarily our family's viewpoint; however, I think you will find them VERY thought provoking):
(Memo to Evangelicals)
http://www.townhall.com/blog/g/62b0dd8d-fc86-4669-a254-7288402a7573
(Recent Bob Jones III support Romney)
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2007/10/15/bob-jones-dean-endorses-romney/
(Interview with Al Mohler)
http://hughhewitt.townhall.com/blog/g/5a10f1d9-70a9-4f54-bbe3-5c58fa2437d3
In an election year that seems different from recent years, we Christians need to be asking for wisdom from above (James 1:5. The Lord especially brought that thought to mind in light of the articles listed above.
Ultimately, God is sovereign; yet we all have a responsibility before God to be wise, faithful stewards of the rich freedoms God has given us.
I would say Fred Thompson. I like his candor and his stance on most issues.
To be honest, I think it's going to come down to Fred and Rudy (yuck!)
I'd like to see him in the values/social issues debate.
Definitely Ron Paul. He stands on and believes in the Constitution. So many people these days are talking about voting only for those who are "electable". I firmly believe in God's sovereignty and know that He is not going to be wringing His hands in heaven if Hillary is elected. Instead of being pragmatic, I encourage others to truly vote their conscience.
My husband and I (as well as most of our extended family) will be voting for Mike Huckabee. We have been very impressed with him and think it would be a huge blessing to have him as president.
I will be voting for Obama. Thanks for asking-interersting to see everyone's thoughts!
Kathryn in WI
So far my husband and I are very impressed with Mike Huckabee, and will probably vote for him in the primaries.
I hope all Christians will get out there and vote in this election-- I don't think it's ever been so important as in this election!!
I think I'll be voting for John McCain. Everyone else seems like a used car salesmen.
I like Huckabe, but he doesn't have a chance and I don't care for Ron Paul.
I will vote for whoever the Repubican nominee is in the general election. I will vote because I want to keep my kids safe. Republicans do a better job at keeping people safer than Democrats, just my observation.
-Zan
I'm still undecided as well. From what I've read and heard so far, Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee seem to be the candidates who line up most with my beliefs, but I need to do some more research still.
Because I'm a citizen of the US with a right to vote, I consider it my duty to do so, even if it means that I have to write in a name for someone that I know won't be elected...perhaps the Lord will use that ballot to minister to someone behind-the-scenes.
Mike Huckabee! We live in Iowa and his support here has gone from 1% to 18% in a matter of months. He is electable if people are willing to take part in the political process.
MIKE HUCKABEE 2008! ;)
Huckabee or Thompson.
I have no earthly idea yet. We do usually vote Republican.
FL Primary - Ron Paul
If he doesn't win the primary, I'll find a libertarian candidate and if there are none then I'll probably vote for Huckabee.
Leaning toward Huckabee.
Obviously as I am in Australia all this US election talk is merely for interest.
However, I'd be interested in hearing about husbands & wives who either vote or don't vote along the same lines. It certainly is something that husbands and wives discuss but I'd be interested in hearing about how final voting decisions are made. How do you come to your final conclusion? Does your husband have the final say as spiritual leader of your family?
Diana
As of right now Ron Paul.
I don't know if this is ok or not but I'd like to share my daughter's (age 16) speech from earlier this year. It was given to a group of young people, entitled, Why Should You Care? (about politics)
After giving this speech she was asked to present it to our county's Republican meeting.
http://highergroundtoday.blogspot.com/2007/04/why-should-you-care.html
Our support and votes will go to Governor Huckabee.
Sarah in MO
Mike Huckabee 2008!!! Check him out!
RON PAUL, RON PAUL, RON PAUL!!!
-Audrey T.
Dear Crystal,
My family will vote for Huckabee.We do not believe in voting for the lesser of two evils.
Such a plethora of faith perspectives. Denominational perspectives along with synergism vs. monergism are of interest in deciding how Biblical the candidate really is concerning foundation from which office decisions "might" flow. See synergists but not sure I've spotted a monergist in the Republican choices. Yet. :-)
I am glad to see that many others are supportive of Huckabee. I forgot to mention that my husband and brothers (the founders of "The Rebelution" are so enthusiastic about him, they actually started a blog supporting him. I encourage you to visit, if you would like to see why so many are excited about him!
I'm undecided but heavily leaning toward Ron Paul. Other than that I've read good things about Huckabee and Thompson (and some bad things as well).
It may be of some use to vote locally but I am not so sure on nationally. We were delegates to the state convention in Washington state one election year, have even worn out shoes going door to door for a friend who ran for office. Frankly, we learned that most all decisions politically are made behind closed doors...those state conventions are nothing more than a big party, a cheerleading session. Those of us who had hoped to make a difference were SORELY disappointed. So we no longer belong to ANY party...and sometimes only vote on local issues and people. (And by the way, one of our daughters was a delegate to the OPPOSITE party convention a couple years ago...learned the same thing!) The scriptures say the heart of the king is in the hand of the LORD and other verses tell us HE decides who is in power...so prayer is still our best choice.
Elizabeth: Yes, our little measly vote might seem like a drop in the bucket, but if we all pulled out, were silent, and did nothing, it would make a huge impact - and not in a good way. :)
You are right that the national conventions are no longer the deciding factor but more of a rally. But our votes DO count and we CAN make a difference - even if it is a small difference.
Every little phone call, bumper sticker, yard sign, door-to-door campaigning, hosting candidate teas in our home, and prayers do make a difference!
I have no idea, actually! For sure not democrat......
Diana: Our view is that we cast our vote as a family. My husband and I are one flesh, so we decide together who to vote for and cast our votes accordingly.
Hillary Clinton :)
I'm undecided about candidates, but definitely voting Democrat. I'm leaning towards Clinton. If I were a Republican then I would probably be voting for Huckabee--he seems like he has the most integrity out of the Republican candidates.
We haven't made a decision as of yet, but I can tell you we are one issue voters - in terms of if a potential candidate is in favor of abortion in anyway, we refuse to vote for him. Bascially we start with the abortion issue and go down from there.
Thompson concerns me a bit in that direction: The following was taken from an article written in May (maybe he has changed his way of thinking?)
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,270663,00.html
"The abortion debate has also drawn in a potential entrant into the 2008 race. Former Sen. Fred Thompson could face a potential hurdle in his decision to run after Project Vote Smart this week posted Thompson's responses for his 1994 Senate bid, in which he said he supported legal abortion in the first trimester in all cases.
According to the responses at the time, Thompson also said he believed there should be parental notification for mothers under the age of 18 who are seeking abortions; he supported state-imposed waiting periods and opposed federal funding for clinics that provide abortions. He also said abortions should not be covered under federal health care plans, and states, rather than Congress, should control abortion laws.
Once in the Senate, however, Thompson's voting record fell in line with abortion opponents."
So, bottom line, we are still doing the research, but it will boil down first to who is pro-life and then we'll go from there on the issues...
I am looking at two candidates, Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee. I am leaning more toward Ron Paul, but would be happy if Huckabee got the nomination. I am not excited about any of the other candidates.
Both my husband and I are Thompson supporters at this point. I looked into Ron Paul and liked what I saw except for his stance on the war.
I have to shamefully say that I have not been following any of this! I am thoroughly jaded with all politicians. I guess I should get in touch with things though, because someone is going to win! I atleast have to pick the best, even if that pick is still lame!
Mitt Romney or Hillary Clinton
Hucakbee. Check out my hubby's blog for more info.
www.grandrapids4huckabee.com
Republican...but we are undecided.
Ruth, PA
I thought I'd be the first to say it, but you all beat me to it twice. I will be voting for Hillary Clinton. I consider myself a 'values voter'-- her stances on Darfur, Iraq and health insurance are very much in line with my values. She's very practical-minded, but I think she's a solid anti-war candidate, despite her mistakes in the past. And I hope she picks Obama as her veep.
Seems if I were to vote Republican I can count on a president who "may" have christian values, but perhaps doesn't live them out. Also, considering these last 2 terms, I don't have much confidence in another Republican doing much for the little people, rather focusing on the rich & focusing more on war. I really respect those who are fighting right now, but I want it all to end.
Okay, so my other choice is to vote Democrat. But then I have to contend with someone who believes in pro-abortion, supports gay marriage, etc.
Not a lot of great choices, but I will really be paying attention to someone who is going to make things better for the little people in this country (mainly our economy, health insurance issues) versus more concerned about the rest of the world (not that those things are not important). Secondly, I will be voting for someone who is adamant about getting out of this war ASAP.
Lastly, I was appalled by some of the no-shows at recent Republican debates. Not very respectful towards the concerns pertinent to christians and to black people in this country.
No matter who you all vote for, it's important to research all the candidates as much as you can. I truly want to be WAY more educated on everyone's stances before I vote.
A newly registered voter here! :-)
Likely Ron Paul, I've been impressed with his Constitutional stands in the past. Or possibly Huckabee. But I definitely won't hesitate to vote write-in if there is no candidate on the ballot I believe I could vote for in good conscience. Voting is a sacred trust, and I desire to hold it in high esteem and endeavor to excercise it according to what God would have me do! :-)
I am glad to see that others are supportive of Huckabee (he is gaining more and more support!!!). I forgot to mention that my husband and brother in laws (founders of The Rebelution) are so enthusiastic of this man, that they actually started a blog supporting him. For those of you who haven't heard much about him, feel free to visit.
http://ihearthuckabee.blogspot.com
Mike Huckabee - This is the first time my husband and I have supported a candidate this early. The only way he can be electable is if we get on board immediately.
Barack Obama. I read his book, and I've listened to his wife and they remind me of families I meet everyday.
I will be voting for Ron Paul in the primary, as he is the only conservative running, and is truly pro-life not just part way there. Meaning he is against stem cell reasarch as well as abortion, unlike Huckabee. Here is a link that will tell you more about
Ron Paul: http://www.ronpaul2008.com/about/
This is going to be my first election! I turn 18 in December, and sent in my voter registration today. I was originally planning to vote for Ron Paul, but then I heard an interview with him in which he says he doesn't think you can say homosexuality is sin (if you search "Ron Paul on homosexuality" on youtube you can find it easily). Now, I think I'm probably going to vote for Huckabee. He seems to be good on the issues, fiscally as well as socially, has a clean voting record, been married for over 30 years, etc. My Dad has been getting his emails, and he said he's said a lot of good things, too. So, that's who I'm planning to vote for!
~Mary Jo
"Ron Paul in the primaries. If he doesn't win I won't vote in the general election."
This.
Well I'm registered independent.
My hubby cannot vote;)
But I wasn't impressed AT ALL with Ron Paul. I watched the Values Voter debate and the things he said he wouldn't support surprised me.
The only thing I had known about him before was that a lot of Christians were voting for him. After I saw his own responses in his own words, I just have to wonder how much research these people I know did before they threw their hat in his ring.
Lizzie
oh and Mr Romney is no conservative folks!
It doesn't bother me that he's a Mormon. It bothers me that he's a liberal pretending to be a values candidate.
I'm a Fred fan.
Tricia
I don't know yet . But one thing for sure is it won't be Hillary!!!!!
Crystal,
I was wondering when you would start talking about this! :) I'm glad you brought it up, by the way! I'd be thrilled if Mike Huckabee would win.
Would you ever vote for someone who is pro-choice? Just curious!
Meaning he is against stem cell reasarch as well as abortion, unlike Huckabee.
This made me curious, so I looked up Huckabee's position on his website. Here's what he says:
"I believe in using existing stem cell lines for research, but I do not believe in creating life for the sole purpose of destroying it."
Good question. I have only the vaguest idea right now. Haven't been paying enough attention, I'm embarrassed to say. I need to really be looking into that! Someone quite conservative, for starters. I'm probably actually more Libertarian than Republican but I don't dare vote away from Republican because I don't want Hillary or any other Democrat and have to make my vote count. Pretty sad.
This will be my first time voting in a Presidential election, so I've been researching the candidates. The one that looks the best to me is Sen. Sam Brownback, but it's in the news that he is dropping out today...
Ron Paul is my second choice, although I don't agree with him in everything.
And that all can change after the primaries! :)
Crystal, It is so funny that you posted this! I just approved the same ad last night, and less than 12 hrs. later, I got my first negative email about it! I feel the same way, unsure of my final vote, but liking what I see in Mr. Thompson.
For us...
We are registered Republican.
We do not know enough about Thompson however he is being considered with reservation. Mitt Romney is being considered (dusty frame said he is not conservative??) because we like what he is saying on the war and economics (America's jobs). What I have heard from him is not liberal. So I guess we have to dig in deeper on Romney. We are keeping religious beliefs out of the criteria for our decision (as long as they believe in Jesus). Hillary is not even being considered at all. Not happy about her stance on health care....not happy about alot of the democrats at all...
However all that said...I think it is way too early to even consider anybody until after this year is over then they will get more information and debates going for the primaries.
Holly
Home Schooling Legal Defense Association is supporting MIKE HUCKABEE. For us, the protection of the freedom to homeschool is one of the most important issues. I know Ron Paul is also a homeschool supporter but HSLDA said that Huckabee has the the best shot at beating Clinton. I think that she is going to be a novelty for a lot of Americans who really don't make intelligent voting choices. ( My step-grandmother voted for Bill Clinton because he had pretty eyes she said.) So if Huckabee doesn't get the nomination, I'll simply be voting against the Democrat.
Quinn
Well, I can tell you if it comes down to Hillary vs. Rudy in the general election, I'm either voting for a third party or not voting for president. I can’t in good conscience vote for a pro-abortion candidate.
I like Ron Paul, McCain and Sam Brownback, but unfortunately I don’t think any of them has much of a chance. I don’t like any of the frontrunners for either party very much. The most important issues to me are social issues like abortion and the Iraq war/torture.
Just out of curiosity, do you believe that a husband and wife should always vote for the same candidate? My husband and I usually end up voting for the same candidate anyway, but I wouldn’t think there was anything wrong with us voting for different candidates. There was an article on the Ladies Against Feminism site awhile ago arguing that women shouldn’t vote. I didn’t agree with it, but I was just wondering what you think about that.
Ok, I just found out Brownback is dropping out. But I read up on Huckabee and I like him too.
I'm undecided right now. Hubby likes Fred Thompson, I'm leaning toward Huckabee at this moment...but who knows what will happen up to the primaries. I probably won't firmly choose anyone until closer to the primaries.
in response to those asking about how we vote with our spouses... my husband is actually much more liberal than me when it comes to politics, so i'm normally the one that votes for the conservative candidate (tho' maybe not this time around). So normally, our votes cancel each other out, so to speak, but at least we're doing our part in the process.
My husband will probably not vote the same as me. I don't know who he will vote for, but I am trying to convince him to support McCain.
We've never not voted the same, but this year will probably be different. He will probably vote for Romney (**shutter**), but I'm not sure.
I don't see anything in scripture to prohibit different votes in a marriage.
-Zan
Even though I disagree with most of his policy positions, I genuinely like Mike Huckabee. But I can never get over what he did in the Wayne Dumond parole case. Ever. That's with all due respect to those of you who support him- I can understand why you like him.
The Mr. likes Mitt Rommney but I really haven't decided among the Republicans yet.
At this point, I will probably vote for John Edwards in the Dem primary. I say probably b/c I will be praying for guidance that I, and our country, will make the right decision.
I'm honestly not sure who I'll vote for, as I'm not entirely impressed with anyone, from either side.
I grew up a diehard Republican/Fiscal Conservative, but this will be the first presidential election that I will be voting as an independent. I simply cannot stomach how the right pays lipservice to things like abortion and ' family values' in order to get the Christian vote- and completely ignores or flubs equally important issues such as poverty, the death penalty, the war,etc.
Dont tell my parents, but this may be the first election where I vote for a democrat. We'll see.
I just hope that people vote their conscience, and who they believe will actually be the best candidate- not who their church or other Christians tell them is best.
Remember-God isnt a Republican or a Democrat.
- Also, I guess I can introduce myself after lurking for who knows how long. I'm Kassie, a college student in Illinois.I dont even remember how I found your blog, Crystal, but I visit fairly often. I agree with some things you write, disagree with others, but overall I do enjoy visitng your blog and getting another person's perspective.
LAF posted an article encouraging women not to vote? Oy..that is frightening. I'll have to go check that out, but wow. I know that feminism has gone too far in many areas, but I dont have much of a desire to swing the pendulum in the extreme other direction and go back to having no right to vote.
Scary.
We are undecided. I think it is virtually impossible to be truly conservative and a Christian and get elected without making at least some comprimises along the way. I voted for Bush thinking that he was the right choice, but now have been finding out alot more about his campaign contributors and backroom dealings and am disollusioned at this point with the Republican party. It comes down to either choosing a more obscure candidate who probably won't win but voting for him anyway just out of principles (such as Paul or Huckabee) or choosing the lesser of the two evils with the front runners who have a shot at winning. I'm glad we have a little time to decide, since right now my husband and I are both confused and unsure. It's really tough to know what to do as a Christian and how much we ought to take part in the wordly political system. It's comforting to remember that we are not really citizens of this earth but rather of God's glorious kingdom in heaven.
The LAF article didn't say that women absolutely must not vote. It said we are free to disagree. I couldn't find it online, but if I remember correctly it said that the founding fathers had the idea of one vote per household, and the article said that since the man is the head of the household he should cast the vote for the family.
Voting for Mike Huckabee in the primaries!
he was an awesome governor and did much for homeschoolers.
Love Samantha
I may not be voting in the primary election of 2008 at all. It depends on who is still running at that time. I don't believe in picking the "lesser of the two evils" and will only vote for someone who I can truly support with a clear conciensce. I made the mistake of voting party line (Republican) in the last election and have been very disappointed in President Bush this term.
Hey Crystal,
I don't know if you want to post this comment?:) Or just have the information.
Here's documentation on Mitt Romney's non-conservative leadership.
Lizzie
http://massresistance.org/romney/
I don't think Fred Thompson is conservative enough and you really have to question where his values are since he has acted in some pretty immoral, ungodly tv shows among other things. I just don't feel comfortable with that.
I must respond to your remarks to mine, Crystal...I wonder just how one can learn the truth...THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH about any candidate today? (Even most Christians do not necessarily ascribe to ABSOLUTE truth...if they did, they would live their own lives differently. In one simple respect even: how did the early church grow? For one reason, others observing saw how they loved each other. Now you may find that here and there in some parts of the country but I know of few who have...real love as taught in scripture, that is. Not just mouth service...putting your money and time where your mouth is). I wish that the things you suggest really did make a difference...but we have not seen it happen... perhaps others have, we have only lived a bit over a half century ourselves. I would really like to know how you felt if you had been as involved as we were at one time. I realize that perhaps here and there, in a few states, perhaps, things could be different. But as much as I WISH you and some others were right...I have not seen it to be so. I still say prayer is our best option...and if the FATHER leads a person to do one thing or another, then of course, it must be done. One of the biggest problems we have seen is HOW to overcome the setup that currently is in place, well entrenched in this country. We had a WONDERFUL lady in our state, a strong supporter of homeschooling and all conservative causes. The republican party WOULD NOT...I REPEAT...W O U L D N O T allow her ANY funding...gave it all out to lesser, less worthy candidates. We had every reason to believe she had the votes needed to win. A woman truly of excellent character. I cannot think of a single woman today in the running who could come within a continent of her...and she was savy too, of things of law...but you see, obviously the powers that be, were in control of more than one could possibly imagine...and she was not even given her due to have a fair shot of running...and did not win. But that is only our experience. I would like to see others who espouse some things, get out there and get that involved...and see if they still think the same...I really hope to see that. If you REALLY think you can make a difference...GO FOR IT!! You are still young with energy to burn...so GO FOR IT!! When you reach our age, a good portion of your strength is gone. At least ours is...so I wish you all the best!!
Elizabeth, it can be disconcerting at times, but we must be involved. My husband and I have been very involved in politics ever since we were young and so I don't just say what I say because it's a fantasy, I *know* that being involved and letting your voice be heard does make a difference. If we would all step up and do our part, we could change things.
I think a lot of the reason things are the way they are is because of years of people being lackadaisical.
To add I very much agree with what Kassie said. I don't think people should be voting for a particular party just because they assume generalizations about them. Vote for the "best" individual that in general will deal with the issues you are most concerned about. I am doubtful that any of us will be able to find someone that we 100% agree with on all issues.
Bush became president because of electoral votes, not from the popular votes of the citizens of this country. It is so frustrating to see in the end that perhaps maybe my vote does not count at all. I believe presidents should be elected by popular vote only, which are the people they will be governing.
I don't believe that Republican = more righteous and that Democrats = the sinners. Any man can proclaim to be a "christian" and still not live the life out.
After viewing the Democratic debate, I am interested in John Edwards. I thought he came up against Hillary quite well & he has good stances on some of the issues important to me (economy, health insurance, getting out of the war).
As Elizabeth says, I, too, have lived a little over half a century. I have watched this nation fall away from civil government as a constitutional republic; the curtains are still largely shrouding the actual powers that be.
For the first time, I won't be voting in the next Presidential election. There is strong evidence that voter tallies are, or can be, manipulated. News media are not reporting facts. I was fooled by the words of a candidate in the last election and regret lending my support, being (ignorantly) party to a swarthy debacle.
I'm thankful my citizenship is in God's kingdom, where righteousness is by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, and of His kingdom there is no end. One heart at-a-time. That's where I want my focus and work to be now.
Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. ~Psalms 45:6
It's not a question of whether our vote counts or not, but what does God want us to do as citizens? My eschalotological view is that the world is only going to get worse and worse, which seems to be proven this week if you've read any news, but that doesn't mean that I should stop exercising my voice for what I think God wants.
Definitely a Democratic candidate!
Mike Huckabee all the way!
Well, in response to Diana -
My husband is a hardcore republican: it causes trouble around election time for us as well as the inlaws (his dad can't seem to understand not EVERY Democrat is liberal, laissez-faire, ignoramuses *ahem Hilary ahem*). So we just don't discuss politics around election time - we vote at separate times of the day, and it isn't mentioned. Although I did vote same as DH last time for Bush, and boy oh boy, I feel like I made a mistake. I just shouldn't have voted.
That being said, ya'll can tell I tend to vote Democrat - but they have to be a conservative democrat, and the closest we've got in this race so far is John Edwards. I voted for him in every primary, etc last time, I'll probably vote for him again. But if he doesn't make it, I'll go for Fred Thompson - he's not so crazy, fundamentalist right wing as some folks can get. We need a nice, conservative MODERATE (regardless of party designation - who cares as long as they do the job?).
Oh, and it is shameless, but I loved Fred in Law and Order...;)
I don't believe as a Christian I can ever vote for a Democrat, simply because their platform is pro-choice (pro-abortion). I don't agree with Republicans all the time, either, and really feel let down by Bush. I voted for him mainly because he seemed morally conservative, but I'm disappointed in his handling of the war and feel that he has let Cheney have too much power. But, I guess I was only going on what I knew at the time, and a candidate can always change their tune once elected. None of the main contenders for the 2008 are appealing so I most likely will be voting for a lesser known person that "isn't electable" and doesn't really stand a chance.
Ron Paul or Huckabee. I'm pretty disgusted with the Republicans for using the Christian vote to get into office, and then not representing us once they are there; and I've been watching them do it for almost 30 years.
Hillary Clinton if I went to the polls tomorrow. I like Barack Obama as well and hope she would choose him as her running mate.
We are Canadians, but we just happen to find American politics very interesting (not to mention relevant due to the nature of the Canadian/American relationship).
We've spent a great deal of time watching preliminary debates and keeping up to date with the media, and we are very strongly in support of RON PAUL!
We'd also vote for Huckabee as a second, but also great, option.
But, alas, we are not American, and must be content with the fact that Canada finally has a semi-conservative Prime Minister (Steven Harper). I know, I know, Steven Harper who??????? :) I'm not offended! LOL!
Stephanie
I'm only 15 and am therefore unable to vote, but if I could, it would be for Mike Huckabee, hands down! My parents will be as well, I think. They're very impressed with him.
One thing some of the commenters here have touched upon I think...for all of our lives, most Christians have voted basically, for the "lesser of 2 evils"...I cannot remember any election, other than when Ronald Reagan ran, that was not the attitude. I do not think a man has to be a Believer to be the best choice for president. But there are lots of other areas that will affect our lives and must be considered. If you do anything at all to change things, Crystal and others still thinking we can really change things, please get Christians educated to support a GOOD candidate. I had hoped that Edwards would be ok (we now live in his state)...but have read too much locally to feel good about him (his own words, by the way). Problem is...how can anyone learn these things? You are not likely to hear them, living outside this state. Though the internet is a help in getting information out...still there are gaps! We simply need to pray that the will of the FATHER will be accomplished in all these things and that we as individuals do what HE wants us to do...whatever that is.
Sorry Crystal, but this is really disturbing to me to see Christians who don't think they should vote. It's not about whether you win or lose, but what does God call you to do. As Americans this right to vote is a sacred trust that men and women have died for. Go talk to a WWII Vet - they literally fell on their swords so we can have freedom in this country. When you start giving up your rights so easily then you really don't deserve any rights at all. And the more Christians just give up the sooner we will lose all rights altogether. A school district in Maine says parents don't have the right to know if their kids get bc. You think some parents may be wishing they paid a little more attention to school elections?
MaryKate: I understand where you are coming from as I believe strongly that as Christians we have a responsibility to make a difference in society. But I only stand before God for my actions. Others have to seek the Lord for their actions