US Elections 2012

[JordyLicht]

Hi guys,

I have no idea if you're interested in politics at all, if you're thinking about voting, etc.
The major consensus in Europe seems to be: why would anyone in their right mind vote for Mitt Romney, being a Mormon, anti abortion, etc.
I admit I am a total n00b when it comes to American politics, so I'm sure I'll say dumbass things, but I just wanted to see if anyone can shed some light on this topic.
Back in 2004, people outside the US (and probably inside as well) raised their eyebrows and just couldn't believe Bush was chosen for a second term. I believe this will probably happen again if Romney is elected... a big WTF from across the pond.

[DAISHI]

You'll probably find most people on this section of the board sympathetic to your thoughts. Not sure anyone is pro "less health care, less women's rights, more anti minority rhetoric" around here.

[Giant Tope]

Being mormon absolutely shouldnt change if you would vote for them or not. Many genuinely kind and intellegent people ive known were mormon. My sister is radder than ever and she's mormon. Just ask anyone who knows her.

[divisionten]

Seconding that his religion has no effect on my vote. Mormon, Muslim, Buddhist- it's not the label but what you do with yourself that I'm more concerned with.

[JordyLicht]

Religion should not be part of politics in my opinion.
Running a country should be based on facts and not on stories, but that's just me.

[Giant Tope]

Im not saying it should. Im saying it's stupid to judge a person's credentials by thier religion alone. Look at JFK, for pete's sake.

[DAISHI]

TBH if politicians never talked about religion I'd be happy. I love Jesus, but he doesn't love politics.

[Giant Tope]

I havent been mormon in a long time but it still makes me mad that people use that against him. I dont even like him but it makes me mad.

[Alcoremortis]

I wouldn't care about a candidate's religion, except for the fact that there is a distinct correlation between a politician's religion and their policy.

More bluntly, the more religious candidates tend to be anti-women, anti-LGBT, and anti-science. And they mask it under the veneer of being pro-life, pro-family, and pro-religion. Basically, I'm not cool with that. Whenever there's a super-religious candidate who doesn't have those stances, I'll alter my opinion.

[DAISHI]

Originally Posted by Alcoremortis

I wouldn't care about a candidate's religion, except for the fact that there is a distinct correlation between a politician's religion and their policy.

More bluntly, the more religious candidates tend to be anti-women, anti-LGBT, and anti-science. And they mask it under the veneer of being pro-life, pro-family, and pro-religion. Basically, I'm not cool with that. Whenever there's a super-religious candidate who doesn't have those stances, I'll alter my opinion.

I consider myself super religous, but the GOP would probably consider me a heathen

[Alcoremortis]

Originally Posted by DAISHI

I consider myself super religous, but the GOP would probably consider me a heathen

This is why I put the "candidates" bit in there. For some reason, it seems that politics brings out the worst of religion. As soon as a guy or gal gets up to that podium, it's like all that stuff about loving your neighbor and trying to live a good life gives way to new and creative ways of using religious texts to outcast more people.

And the worst thing is, is that normally fine, moderate religious people lap it up. They see pro-life or Catholic or pro-family on the voting ticket and blindly vote for whoever snapped up that stance without even considering the rest of the package.

I'd be happier if candidates were forbidden to reveal their religion in the election. Just to make things more about the issues.

[DAISHI]

Originally Posted by Alcoremortis

I'd be happier if candidates were forbidden to reveal their religion in the election. Just to make things more about the issues.

I wonder if religious right people would have supported George Bush Jr's war policies as strongly if he'd never reveals his faith.

[Alcoremortis]

Originally Posted by DAISHI

I wonder if religious right people would have supported George Bush Jr's war policies as strongly if he'd never reveals his faith.

I wonder if they'd support most things as much if religion weren't involved. A lot of the commonly held "religious" stances don't even have much of a basis in the religious background. All I can think of is that they must be using that new-fangled Bible from 2010 with the motorcycle chase and Mary choosing not to get an abortion.

[Giant Tope]

I knew a guy who ran for mayor who was really religious but believed that an individuals right to choice was imperative and refused to let his religion dictate others. He was neat.

[DAISHI]

Originally Posted by Giant Tope

I knew a guy who ran for mayor who was really religious but believed that an individuals right to choice was imperative and refused to let his religion dictate others. He was neat.

Exactly my sort of man.

[Vainamoinen]

Poor, poor Clint Eastwood. A once great man!

[DAISHI]

He's actually more progressive than your typical Republican, considering his stance on gay marriage and environment.

[Vainamoinen]

After Million Dollar Baby, I admit, I found it hard to believe the man's even republican at all.

[Friar]

Originally Posted by Vainamoinen

After Million Dollar Baby, I admit, I found it hard to believe the man's even republican at all.

I can never remember, which one are the republicans? Romney & Co?

The general consensus over here is that Obama has been a good president. Far better than Bush. It's great seeing him taking an active stance on Gay rights (should everyone suffer because a fanatical religious minority think they are the devil incarnate? No.), His attempt to bring decent healthcare to the states (If you saw the Opening ceremony of the olympics, you'll see how much we appreciate our health service.) was admirable, even if it did ultimately fail (for reasons I don't know). His office has also helped to change the image of "Annoying dumb americans" perpetuated by Bush's office to one which sees you as being more intelligent and civilised. Respectable members of the international community, not just rich kids, bullying everyone else in the playground.

I don't know what his policy is like in the US, but I often see people moaning because the economy isn't fixed yet, claiming he's done nothing in his four years of office. And I feel I should add that the same is true for practically every country who suffered difficulties (Germany was faring well, but they are an exception to the rule), no matter which route out they took: Borrowing or repaying.

Also, everyone is sick about hearing about the US presidential race all the time on our news. I'm curious did you get lots of coverage during the UK elections a couple of years back? Probably not.

[DAISHI]

When the United States sneezes, everyone gets sick. That's why the US gets coverage. Russia has it to a lesser degree, and I assume China will at some point.