Sometimes it really sucks to be a voter in an early primary state.

[bunnies]

Because like it or not, how we vote effects the rest of the country. I would LOVE it if nobody gave a damn who we in NH voted for. And I often find myself wondering why anyone does (care). We take constant criticism for not being representative of the country's demographic. And yet... both voters and candidates use us as an indicator. I remember in '04, when I was a mere lurker on this board, reading posts like "well I would've voted for Dean but I didnt get the chance". It sucked.

And now (as opposed to 2004) I eat, sleep, live and breathe politics. Now I have a firm grasp on my responsibility as a NH voter. I suppose this is why I'm having such a hard time deciding who to vote for. I go back and forth, back and forth, between candidates on a daily basis. I have my own views but at the same time I want everyone to have a say in who is our Democratic nominee. This is the first time Ive felt this way re: a presidential election. The first president I ever voted for was Bill Clinton. From college in NH might I add. ah well.

These days though, I find myself under so much pressure to make the "right" decision that I cant seem to make a decision at all. I know many think New Hampshire people are white bread northern hicks. But some of us DO really struggle with the task of voting early.

Thanks for listening DU. :toast:

[CreekDog]

1. i wish i could feel your pain

what's wrong that a February primary is considered too late in the game?

[hayu_lol]

4. After the Kerry debacle, Feb is late...

Kerry boomed in and the MSM picked that up and declared Kerry the candidate and the public responded by voting for him automatically.

Always this danger. The other 49 states deeply resented having primaries that would not, could not count.

Forget the pressure you feel, vote your conscience.

[bunnies]

6. I totally agree.

In fact, I remember that it was a California voter that made the Dean comment. Honestly... I feel that if one state should go first it should be California. I've been to both ends of the state and I feel it reflects both north and south. Well, maybe not southeastern south, but Im sure you know what I mean.

At this point, I almost want to vote for whoever has the best shot at being #1 in NH but NOT #1 in Iowa. I'd just like to see everyone at LEAST make it until Feb. 5.

[K Gardner]

2. Kudos for your hard work and dedication. You're right, it IS a heavy

responsibility you shoulder. :party:

Know that you are greatly appreciated by those of us who don't get to "vote early" !

[bunnies]

11. I'd trade places with you anytime.

believe me.

:hi:

[gateley]

3. Make the decision that's right for YOU. That's what's important, and in doing so

I have faith you'll be doing what's best for the 'rest of the country. Go with your gut. You won't let us down. :hi:

[bunnies]

7. Thanks for the kind words!

I only wish there *was* a way not to let somebody down. On the other hand... I do have several friends who depend on me to tell them who to vote for. Maybe I'll have one person vote for each. :hi:

[demnan]

5. I hope you will investigate the issues

and look at which candidate approaches best your views on the issues. Which candidate can be held accountable on the issues you deem most important. Which candidate you feel has the best leadership character. That's all you have to do.

[bunnies]

9. Thats just it though..

If I were to vote in the primary for the 'one' who'd be President in my perfect world... I'd vote for Kucinich hands down. But I feel like my vote would have less of an impact re: making sure other states got to vote.

Maybe all the rhetoric has fucked with my head.

[gateley]

12. I think you need to vote for Dennis if that's how you feel. You obviously take

this very seriously, and you'll drive yourself nuts trying to figure out which "strategy" is best. When you're done voting, you need to be secure in the knowledge that you've done the right thing.

[bunnies]

13. But Kucinich probably has the least chance of making it through

compared to all the rest of the candidates. And there are several of the others Id be happy to support. For example... I love to hear John Edwards speak... I love the freshness of Obama.... I Love the experience of Biden and Richardson. I'm just having such a hard time with all of it that Im beginning to feel like I wont know until the moment I fill in the circle on the ballot. sigh.

edit: spelling

[gateley]

14. I understand that -- and I understand your angst (as much as a non-Iowan can).

Whichever way you finally decide, just make sure it's a decision you feel GOOD about. You'll know you have done the very best you could.

[bunnies]

15. Thanks gateley!

:toast:

[Tesha]

18. Our thought here in NH...

Our thought here in NH is that we'll vote for
Kucinich unless there's a really good chance
that our vote can prevent Clinton from going
onwards; in that case we'll cast Obama or
Edwards votes.

Mr. Tesha and I would both give *A LOT* for
an instant-runoff voting system so we wouldn't
have to play this guessing game.

Tesha

[justgamma]

8. I feel your pain.

I hate that we are forced to hear the pukes commercials every 5 minutes. They all act like they are running for the head of a church instead of the country. Then there is Thompson bragging about taking down a crooked Dem governor. :puke:

These people are sickening.

[bunnies]

10. Totally!

I feel like everyone wants to be in this position. They can have it as far as I'm concerned. Let another state deal with it for a while. Please!

[gateley]

16. Well maybe it's a GOOD thing that Biden doesn't have the funds yet to get

air time -- everybody won't be sick of him by the caucus when he finally starts running his ads. :shrug: (We Bidenites take hope wherever we can find it! :7)

[rucky]

17. Question for you:

Do you think all those ads affects your opinions of the candidates (the way they're intended to)?

[justgamma]

19. They won't change my opinion.

Except to dislike the pukes more.

In my opinion, in Iowa, the people that are going to caucus get to see all the candidates up close and personal, several times. The people I know will go see them all. Even after they have made their choices, they go. A 30 second ad, just doesn't make much difference.

I think what they might do is get more people to take notice who might otherwise stay home.

[bklyncowgirl]

20. New Jersey moved it's primary from June to February--We're still not relevant

While you could probably get a presidential candidate to take out your garbage from now until election day if you promised your vote we do not see hide nor hair of any of these people unless they shoot in for a quickie fundraiser.

The system is ridiculous. It should change but it's hard to see how it's going to change.