Sean,
I appreciate your accepting my invitation to comment on this thread. We need the "third party" perspective.
No problem! Explaining my third party politics and the approach of the Libertarian party may be a bit off topic, but I felt that it was important to explain that approach and belief system, so the posters understand where i'm coming from.
Of course the Democrats are using the comments, but these statements about rape are real. They can be read in context on numerous news sites.
They absolutely are and there are no excuses to be made. I'm not a crazy "political correctness" type of person, but if any comments are made that are worthy of being dropped from an election, these comments certainly qualify. In my opinion, these men should have dropped out of the race and the Republicans should have endorsed a third party option, like the Constitution Party, independent, or Libertarian Party. I'm no Romney or Ryan fan, however, to their credit, they have come down hard on those who have made those comments and even asked for Akin to drop out of the race.
Yes, they are both bringing out the mudslinging in full force. No argument.
I've considered voting third party. I think we had a discussion about this not too long ago. I guess, I'm not convinced it would help the situation; but I could be wrong and often am.
Well, Sean, there has been plenty of "ranting" on this thread, and most have not been as friendly.
Indeed, politics brings out the worst in people. This country has never been so divided politically, it's really pathetic.
I've remained undecided for so long, because I see two bad choices for President. It's been a matter of trying to determine which is the "best bad choice"----terrible predicament. I've talked to a number of people in the same situation.
The whole point of this thread is to consider how these comments, quoted in my OP, can tip the scales for the undecided voter.
If I don't like either candidate, but feel I must choose one---comments have more of an effect than usual.
It's hard to guess what these comments and other comments made will do for the independent voter. Most polls show that a lot of American independents/undecideds are unhappy with both candidates and polls have shown that many will stay home that voted back in 2008. Most conservatives thought that Obama's "Libya" problem would sway independents and undecided voters their way, but polls have shown the effects to be minimal. I don't know if there are any polls that focus on the rape comments, but i'm guessing it will have little effect with the majority of voters. Despite Akin's comments, McCaskill (the Democrat) is so unpopular right now, that Akin actually has a good chance in that race.
At the end of the day, undecided voters are going to look at and vote with their wallets and whether they are better off after four years of Obama. Historically, that has almost always been the case. I would argue that that would bold well for Romney, but I don't have the most recent numbers to support that claim.
The reality is when the intellectual aspect of weighing the issues is exhausted, and neither candidate is acceptable; emotions enter the equation and often break the tie.
The rape comments hit a nerve with me, because I am a rape survivor.
You are a strong and inspiring person Anna!
Romney's comments about the 47% struck a nerve, because they make him sound cold, heartless, and only interested in his wealthy friends. Who wants to vote for someone who dismisses half of America?
Indeed, but the same corrupt corporations and banks that have given and support the Romney campaign are the same banks and corporations that support the Obama campaign. Goldman-Sachs people fill the Obama administration and they will fill a Romney administration. Obama has already bailed many of these companies out and Romney would do the same. They both are in the pocket of their wealthy friends, it's frustrating!
So, that brings me to the thread topic: Republicans' appalling comments can tip the scale for undecided voters. I realize that can also be said of appalling statements made by Democrats, though that is not the topic here. However, as I noted above, the Republican comments really hit a nerve for me personally.
In some cases comments will sway certain voters, however, I still believe that people will vote with their wallet. Obama made comments in 2008 about many Americans "clinging" to their guns and religion. They were only meant for the ears of liberal elitists, but they made it to the public. They were very insensitive comments, but it had very little real effect on the 2008 election.
From an intellectual standpoint; I realize publication of scandalous comments and actions are timed for release at the most opportune moment---meant to inflict the most damage possible to one's opponent. I get that. The thing is, sometimes this strategy works.
Thanks for weighing in Sean.
Maybe by next election, I'll be voting third party too. You just never know.
No problem, I enjoy the discussion!
Peace and blessings,
Anna