Are you a Winner? (not quite political, but maybe)

[Liar]

In these days of elections and referendums and stuff, I looked back at my own record of being part of the democratic process, and realized something quite weird.

I've never been in the opposition.

In my 13 years as eligible to vote, I have cast my ballot in three national elections, three regional and three county elections, two EU parliament elections, one national referendum and four local single-issue votes.

And my side, whichever side I was on, always came out as the majority.

So I have spent every post-election buzz gloating, and the rest of the terms in different degrees of despair and shattered illusions.

How about you? Do you vote for winners or losers? Are you more used to election night frustration than celebration? Is your catchphrase "Hey don't look at me, I voted for the other guy" or "I can't believe the bastard lied to me in his campaign"?

 

[dr_mabeuse]

Loser in the last two, which were very important, very tough, very bitter and rancorous elections, which explains some of the passion and vituperation in this one. We simply can't afford to lose another.

The last two elections made me a minority in my own country, something I've never really felt like this since I was in my twenties.

 

[ishtat]

I voted in the UK in the 70's and 80's and never backed a winner. Since coming to Australia I have voted for four winners and three losers Federally. In about seven or eight State elections (New South Wales) have never backed a winner. The state elections are a bit of an abberation because I regard the State Labor(Democratic) party as utterly corrupt - but they almost always win! So my win percentage appears to be a bit better than 15%.

But I get lots of chances to say, "I told you so"

 

[iamincognito45]

Interesting question.

I vote in nearly all elections. Some I 'win' and some I 'lose'. And some, I am more passionate about than others. So sometimes the sting of losing is great and other times, I simply shrug my shoulders.

I finally got mad enough at the local level that I started going to meetings, learned the specifics of the issues and eventually ran for office and won. That was a little over 10 years and two re-elections ago.

Since that time, I ave learned two very interesting truths. In spite of all the bad press and opinions people have about 'politicians', the vast, vast majority of people I have met in politics are in it for the right reason. They honestly believe they can help and are doing what they believe is in the people's best interest. And, the issues are almost always far more complicated than they might seem. Idealism and rhetoric are all fine and good. and it's easy to complain from the outside. But to get on the inside and have to work within the system is far more complicated than most people understand. There are no easy, obvious answers. It takes tremendous work and effort. And a willingness to be open minded and consider all sides of an issue and work with both sides to begin to slowly effect positive change. Often times, great change and upheaval can cause far more damage than ever imagined.

Voting is a great act of patriotism. And many would say, a responsibility beyond a simple right. I continue to be amazed by how many people still do not vote. Some due to apathy. some because they are too lazy and unmotivated to learn the issues, so they have no opinion. And some would just rather complain than participate int he process.

I would also encourage people to get more involved. Particularly in issues of great importance to them. This is clearly easier at the local level. But it has amazed me how great an influence a person can have. Even at a much higher level by simply getting involved. Going to meetings, interacting with your elected officials, writing and calling their offices to voice a concern or support for an issue.

We might disagree on some of the issues or the solutions we believe would be more effective, but contributing and participating is the most effective method of change in the long run.

 

[Saucy_Sage]

I vote, therefore I win.

If I considered it losing any time a majority of my fellow citizens disagree with me, I'd be completely lost.

 

[iamincognito45]

I vote, therefore I win.

If I considered it losing any time a majority of my fellow citizens disagree with me, I'd be completely lost.

Civil disagreement is rarely a bad thing. If received with an open mind, it helps keeps us grounded and ensures we see things from all perspectives.

Not sure I have ever agreed with every position of any candidate. Both sides of this election have some valid points to make. But the extreme views, close mindedness and hatred of the opposition is polarizing and, I believe, counterproductive to the interests of us all.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

Everyone loses in an election except the winner and her entourage.

Take my local state representative. His part-time legislator position pays shit, but he has 500K in his election fund and works for several mega-companies as a 'spokesman.' He makes a nice pile of money.

 

[The_Trouvere]

The Republican Party has dominated the United States during my adult life. That sickens and angers me.

 

[DesertPirate]

5-3 winner inPresedential elections starting in 76.

Gee wonder if anyone would be surprised that my guys lost to Carter & Clinton?

 

[Liar]

One of the reasons I ask is because I'm kind of emotionally detached from politics. I look at it, and it amuses me intellectually, but I don't get passionate about it like some do.

Maybe one of the reasons is that I never really experienced being the underdog.

 

[DesertPirate]

I am more concerned about local elections. I figure that nothing in Washington will change until half of Congress changes in 2 elections.

It's hard enough getting rid of Morons at the state level.
In NC, 8 years ago everthing was peachy untill 3 months after the new Governor took office and then the state is broke! It was done by the previous aministration and legislature. Sadly more than 80% of those Legisltors are still in office and have increased taxes substantially to pay for their stupidity.

The voters are sheep or just to dumb to replace idiots.

 

[iamincognito45]

One of the reasons I ask is because I'm kind of emotionally detached from politics. I look at it, and it amuses me intellectually, but I don't get passionate about it like some do.

Maybe one of the reasons is that I never really experienced being the underdog.

With the hatefulness and spite of so many elections, it is easy to become emotionally detached. I hate to see the 'win at all cost' attitudes of most running for office. A willingness to sacrifice so many of the non partisan ideals they claim to represent. And let us not even start to discuss the idiocy of the money being spent with the presidential candidates spending well over $100,000,000! Where is the outrage there? There is none because in that case, each side believes the cause is so dire that money is no object.

Passion about the issues is a good thing so long as it can remain tempered with an open mind and willingness to explore the issue in detail. What is frustrating is to listen to the desperate and extreme rhetoric of so many voters that cannot even articulate why they feel so passionate about a given issue. They don't know, they just... are.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

The Republican Party has dominated the United States during my adult life. That sickens and angers me.

The solution to this problem is for the Democrats to run candidates who appeal to voters.

 

[rgraham666]

I've voted for the winning candidate for a position several times now.

Once I've voted for a candidate of a party that formed the government. And boy did they screw up!

 

[Liar]

Once I've voted for a candidate of a party that formed the government. And boy did they screw up!

Same here. I voted for the guys whose ideology was closest to mine. And if they had just done things right, the direction they talked about would have done this country well. Too bad they turned out to be governing hacks and realpolitik incompetents.

 

[iamincognito45]

Governments and governing are very complex things. Even the most well intended folks entering the system struggle within it.

Ideals often give way to the harsh realization that extended hard work, complex negotiations, constant communication and occasional compromises are required. Absolute ideals are not practical and lead to gridlock and inaction which makes problems worse.

 

[Selena_Kitt]

Dukakis - lost
Clinton - won
Clinton - won
Gore - won (er... stolen...)
Kerry - lost
Obama - ?

 

[Svenskaflicka]

In my 13 years as eligible to vote, I have cast my ballot in three national elections, three regional and three county elections, two EU parliament elections, one national referendum and four local single-issue votes.

As I recall, we've only had two EU-related elections, the one about whether or not we should join the union, and the one about whether or not we should adopt the Eu currency?

So... if you've never been in opposition, does that mean that you voted yes to EU and no to the EMU?

And if you've never been in opposition for 13 years, that would mean that you used to vote for the left, and then switched to the right in the last election?

 

[Liar]

As I recall, we've only had two EU-related elections, the one about whether or not we should join the union, and the one about whether or not we should adopt the Eu currency?

So... if you've never been in opposition, does that mean that you voted yes to EU and no to the EMU?

And if you've never been in opposition for 13 years, that would mean that you used to vote for the left, and then switched to the right in the last election?

I didn't vote on EU membership. Was too young at the time. I voted no for EMU. No, I mean election for representatives for the EU parlament. Which we've done twice since I turned 18.

I'm a centrist, and I tend to sympathize either which way on different issues. So yeah, I voted right wing last time around. For two reasons: One: the left was in a bog, the SocDems needed to be bitch-slapped back into life, and four years in opposition was just the medicine they needed to wake up and reform themselves. They are much more alert, aware of what people want and energetic about it now under Sahlin than before. So I'll probably switch back next time around. And two: I did actually agree with many of the right's suggested solutions and policies, not all, but most of them. All of which they managed to fuck up royally within the first year of governing, due to being grossly incompetent. But that's politics for ya.

 

[Svenskaflicka]

I didn't vote on EU membership. Was too young at the time. I voted no for EMU. No, I mean election for representatives for the EU parlament. Which we've done twice since I turned 18.

I'm a centrist, and I tend to sympathize either which way on different issues. So yeah, I voted right wing last time around. For two reasons: One: the left was in a bog, the SocDems needed to be bitch-slapped back into life, and four years in opposition was just the medicine they needed to wake up and reform themselves. They are much more alert, aware of what people want and energetic about it now under Sahlin than before. So I'll probably switch back next time around. And two: I did actually agree with many of the right's suggested solutions and policies, not all, but most of them. All of which they managed to fuck up royally within the first year of governing, due to being grossly incompetent. But that's politics for ya.

You could have just done a Mijailovic, you know... atleast that would have been less dishonoring.

 

[Liar]

You could have just done a Mijailovic, you know... atleast that would have been less dishonoring.

Um... on who are you suggesting?

Anyway, nah, I'm too squeamish for going full psycho.

 

[Guest]

Loser in the last two, which were very important, very tough, very bitter and rancorous elections, which explains some of the passion and vituperation in this one. We simply can't afford to lose another.

The last two elections made me a minority in my own country, something I've never really felt like this since I was in my twenties.

What Zoot said.

 

[impressive]

What Zoot said.

Me three

 

[DeeZire]

What Dr M said. The saddest part was the superficiality of it all, which brings us to JBJ's quote.

The solution to this problem is for the Democrats to run candidates who appeal to voters.

I think Obama - young, charismatic, good looking, and Palin - young, charismatic, good looking, are going to forever change politics in this country. From now on, it's going to be a beauty contest, with extra points for personality and charm, and no points for credibility or qualifications.

 

[Liar]

I think Obama - young, charismatic, good looking, and Palin - young, charismatic, good looking, are going to forever change politics in this country. From now on, it's going to be a beauty contest, with extra points for personality and charm, and no points for credibility or qualifications.

Wasn't Kennedy even younger?

And even more of a rockstar?