There are a lot of different reasons people select a candidate for president.
Some people feel strongly about certain issues such as abortion, gay rights or the war in Iraq, and refuse to vote for a candidate who doesn’t have beliefs that coincide with their own.
Political parties also come into play. Some people will vote only for the candidate of the party of which they are registered, regardless of issues, competency or ability.
But then there are those reasons that are just absurd.
Barack Obama dancing on “The Ellen Degeneres Show” is friendly exposure for the Obama campaign, Ã la Bill Clinton on “The Arsenio Hall Show” back in the day. Not to mention it gives him some free advertising. This tactic may make you like him more or find him unprofessional. But deciding that you want to vote for him, or not vote for him, because of that is troubling.
Many Americans believe John F. Kennedy was elected back in the ’60s because he was way cuter than Nixon on the televised debates. And speaking of too-cute candidates in 2008, former Democratic Senator John Edwards has an expensive haircut and a sparkling smile. He might make the White House look good, but that doesn’t mean he can clean up Bush’s blemishes on the country.
And who can forget Hilary Clinton’s tone-deaf rendition of the National Anthem after a lapel mic was left on. Just because she sounds slightly better than Roseanne Barr, there is no need to hate on the Senator.
The movement of candidates getting exposure on late-night television has taken focus away from serious issues that surround this presidential election. For instance, Republican candidate and former “Law and Order” star Fred Thompson announced his candidacy on “The Tonight Show.” Does being an actor or appearing on Jay’s couch make one more or less qualified?
Even more puzzling is the cookie bake-off between the wives of the candidates. This contest supposedly determines how well a future first-lady’s husband will lead the country. We think this is a little off base. But it would be interesting to see what Bill Clinton might cook up. Im-peach-ment cobbler, anyone?
With topics like the immigration reform and healthcare to think about, voting for the candidate who was on “Saturday Night Live” last week seems trivial. But don’t hate him for it either.