Why Can’t America Have a Sharp Young President??
Honestly, this is looking bad …
They are now debating over which one looks prettier ….
They are now debating over which one looks prettier ….
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Docdon23 · M
they are both incompetent for different reasons--how sad they are our only choices
helenS · 36-40, F
@Docdon23 If I were American, I'd put the blame on the two big political parties. The GOP was essentially hijacked by DT and the Trumpists; the Dems appear to be unable to choose a younger candidate even though there are some.
Outsiders don't have any chance of becoming US President without the support of one of those parties, and without enough $$$.
Outsiders don't have any chance of becoming US President without the support of one of those parties, and without enough $$$.
Docdon23 · M
@helenS Yes. I am actually an elected official and member of one of those parties. But, sadly, what you say is true. There is too much money and too many big money special interest groups in American politics. You need money to get elected--TV ads, media, travel, etc. Both parties have forgotten the regular people. Yes, both do elect delegates and all, but the money talks more.
helenS · 36-40, F
@Docdon23 There must have been a time when people did not want to become president, because it was a lot of work which they were not payed for, and they had to find some friends who cared for the farmland while they were absent. It was seen as a duty, not an opportunity to become powerful and rich.
You may call me conservative and backward thinking but I believe a return to that mindset might be helpful and productive, even today. Especially today.
You may call me conservative and backward thinking but I believe a return to that mindset might be helpful and productive, even today. Especially today.
helenS · 36-40, F
@Reason10 Thank you – I'm not an American, so I can't comment on the merits of individual presidents specifically. Regarding Mr. Trump, I see his foreign policy as rather successful, but I consider it to be highly problematic that he was, and still is, unable to accept he was defeated in the 2020 elections. To me it means he sees himself as being above democracy.
When it's about the US economy, I simply don't know. From a European point of view, the American economy appears to be successful and stable.
When it's about the US economy, I simply don't know. From a European point of view, the American economy appears to be successful and stable.
GerOttman · 61-69, M
@Docdon23 You have hit on one of the biggest problems with our current system. These are >Not< our >>Only<< choices. There are other options on the ballot.
Two problems prevent any change in the system however.
First is the idea that a third party vote is somehow "wasted" or gives advantage to the opposite party. Third parties tend to draw equally from both major parties and will pretty much null each other out. As to wasting a vote, those are the millions of votes which stay home and refuse to take a stand. When I cast my vote for a third party, my vote counts!
Second, and most damaging, our media refuses to give any serious coverage or consideration to third party candidates. There exists a biased left wing aspect to one set of mass market media. They highlight any perceived accomplishment by their favored son and excoriate any perceived fault in the "evil" opposition. This bias is matched point for point by the right wing mass media. Neither will give an inch to the other, that's not "news" it's just propaganda...
People in the USA, by and large, believe what they are told to believe. The only coverage allotted to an third party candidate by either is if they say or do something "funny". It's not going to change either! Until and unless something happens to break the back of the two party system, expect more of the same for years and decades to come. Nothing happening in this election cycle is about helping the average working American, it is about wealthy elites accumulating and consolidating wealth and power unto themselves and keeping the masses (you and me mostly) entertained.
Are you not entertained?
Two problems prevent any change in the system however.
First is the idea that a third party vote is somehow "wasted" or gives advantage to the opposite party. Third parties tend to draw equally from both major parties and will pretty much null each other out. As to wasting a vote, those are the millions of votes which stay home and refuse to take a stand. When I cast my vote for a third party, my vote counts!
Second, and most damaging, our media refuses to give any serious coverage or consideration to third party candidates. There exists a biased left wing aspect to one set of mass market media. They highlight any perceived accomplishment by their favored son and excoriate any perceived fault in the "evil" opposition. This bias is matched point for point by the right wing mass media. Neither will give an inch to the other, that's not "news" it's just propaganda...
People in the USA, by and large, believe what they are told to believe. The only coverage allotted to an third party candidate by either is if they say or do something "funny". It's not going to change either! Until and unless something happens to break the back of the two party system, expect more of the same for years and decades to come. Nothing happening in this election cycle is about helping the average working American, it is about wealthy elites accumulating and consolidating wealth and power unto themselves and keeping the masses (you and me mostly) entertained.
Are you not entertained?