Presidential politics

Every four years, I vote for a presidential candidate. I vote for the candidate who most reflects what I think about the major issues of that time and who reflects my own philosophy of living, economics and personal freedoms. I have voted for the president ever since I became a voter.

My recollection of the political campaigns of the past is that they seemed to last about a year, the length of the election year for which the campaign was being run. I remember watching the conventions with a lot of interest, even before I was a voter. The first interesting facet of a convention I remember was the boycott of lettuce by New York (I think). I'm not sure why they were boycotting lettuce, but they raised that point in their state's speech (when they tell the convention who their votes are going to support). There several states who vocally added their support of the boycott.

I don't remember seeing a lot of debates in my early voting years. There were some. I remember vividly, Ronald Reagan's quip about age. There had been many pundits who expressed open concern that Ronald Reagan was too old to be president. In a debate with Senator Mondale, when asked about his years as compared to his opponent's, Reagan said,"I want you to know that also I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent's youth and inexperience."

It seems like, for the last few presidential elections but maybe just recently, the political process, especially the presidential campaigning, advertising, debating and selection process starts up almost immediately after the election is finalized. That is, for example, right after President Obama was elected in 2008 and took office in January of 2009, there has been campaign ads, discussions and candidates declaring.

I don't know how many Republican presidential candidate debates there have been so far. I question whether there is a true need for all of the debates. I also question whether we really need to discuss the run for the presidency for four years. Maybe we do, but I think not. That said, here's to a great political campaign, primary, conventions and debates year in 2012. I hope all the political pundits, poly sci majors, local, state and national politicians have a great year and enjoy their time in the limelight.

I may not watch all of the goings on. If there is a primary in my state, I'll vote for the party candidate of my choice. Then, once they have been determined, I may just watch a debate or two between the presidential candidates. I'll read about their views and listen to them speak when the opportunity arises. And, I'll vote for the candidate of my choice. If there is a candidate who could eliminate the three wasteful years of campaigning leading up to the election year, he/she may just get my vote.

Have a good one. KipK