Help Me Decide-

[asdjrocky]

Ok, here’s the deal, I’ve never picked a winner. No one, at any time, has won the nomination when I supported him or her in the primary. Twice, in my entire life, I’ve voted in the general election for the winner. That of course, was in 92 and 96. (And yes, some days I look back and wonder exactly what I “won” in those two elections.)

So here’s my question: Whom do I really want to lose? For me it’s a pretty simple equation, pick a candidate, and the other one is bound to win. And here’s my dilemma, how do I find passion for empty suit, or for an empty pantsuit? They are both very nice, expensive looking and well-tailored suites, but after all, they are just suits.

I know, I know, you’ll tell me to listen to the words, you’ll encourage me to go to their respective sites and learn everything I can cram into my tiny little brain about their positions, their plans, and their vision for America. There is a problem with this approach for me; I’ve already read all of their positions, their plans, and their visions for America. My candidate had much better versions of the same plans a long, long time ago. Reading the positions of suite & pantsuit is much like watching a watered down made for TV movie, based on a compelling book. The movie is never, I mean never as good as the book.

People, I gotta tell ya, I’ve really tried. I mean, I’ve really, really tried. Neither empty suit, nor empty pantsuit appeal to me, and God knows, MSM has given me more than my fair chance to get to know these two candidates. Hell, for the last year I couldn’t turn on the news, open a paper, or listen to the radio without being beaten over the head by these two. I feel like I’m having that dream again where I’m at school and I’m wearing only my underwear, and no matter how much I yell to give me my pants back, they only laugh and point. In retrospect, perhaps that is something I shouldn’t have written here.

So what’s a voter to do?

I’ll leave it up to the readers. You guys tell me. Give it your best shot, and tell me who I should throw my passionate, unyielding, never ending support behind. I will dive in headfirst and work every single day for that candidate. All you have to do is convince me.

Empty suit? Or empty pantsuit? Go ahead, make my day.

[asdjrocky]

1. No love at all?

[waiting for hope]

2. Hey - I'll take John Edwards any day

but my thought process is turning toward the empty pantsuit. Health care is more important right now I think, just imagine all the other things that are associated with not having Health Care and how it could be better.

[asdjrocky]

3. I hear ya-

But according to my record, if we really want pantsuit to win, then I should support the other suit.

[waiting for hope]

5. Please don't drink the Kool-Aid!

[BlackVelvet04]

4. You sound pretty bitter....

but for what it's worth I voted for Hillary today. She has the superior health care plan IMO. By allowing everyone to use the FEHBP (Federal Employee's Hospital Benefit Plan) every American will be able to have the best insurance available at a reasonable price. With 49 million Americans uninsured the problem is not only health care but it becomes economic as well.

If you want more on the health care plan click on my journal.

[asdjrocky]

6. Bitter?

That's kind of funny. As I said, I know the plans and positions pretty well. For Hillarys plan, all I have to do is take the Edwards plan, then water it down a bit.

I really don't hate Hillary or Obama, and if I have any bitterness, it's not directed at them.

[BlackVelvet04]

11. Maybe angry would be a better word.

I think you're wrong about the health care but you've already made up your mind.

[asdjrocky]

12. I wouldn't say I was wrong... I've paid pretty close attention.

[BlackVelvet04]

14. Like I said...

you've already made up your mind. I'm not sure why you asked anyone for an opinion.

[asdjrocky]

8. Dupe

[asdjrocky]

9. And yet another Dupe.

[AtomicKitten]

7. When you put it that way, I'd rather order a Margarita.

;)

[asdjrocky]

10. mmmmm margaritas.

[Iceburg]

13. Pick the suit less likely to be swiftboated --one that can fight the lurking GoP machine/nt

[asdjrocky]

15. Do you really think the pugs won't swiftboat either one of them?

[ChiciB1]

16. Not Picking... Sticking With John Edwards!! Yes, IT IS SO!! n/t

[asdjrocky]

17. Hey there my little Chick-a-dee-

I made my decision for my primary vote on Super Tuesday. And now... on to the general. I'm still hoping, against hope, for find him in the GE as VP. Who knows?

[ChiciB1]

18. You Have Inside Info About VP?? I'm Torn With That One... But IF It's

the only way to keep him viable and "in the loop" I can go with it! Otherwise, I'm going to vote for him in the GE! It's Florida after all! The STATE that doesn't KNOW how to vote!! And one where I'm NOT sure my vote really counts!

Chick-a-dee, one of my many alter-nick-names! You can only imagine some of the others! Chici IS a nick name to begin with! I get called lots of different versions. Mostly people see the name and the FIRST time they say it, it's CHI-CHI! And is Chi-Chi's Restaurant!

Hey, it's NOT MY fault, my parents called me that from the beginning. Funny thing, when I tell people my REAL name, they're FLOORED! It's so far away of what you can imagine a "Chici" would be! But I am Chici, and it fits!

[asdjrocky]

20. Having the name I've had all my life-

Allows me to make fun of anyones name. Trust me on that one. And no, I have no information, inside or otherwise. Sure wish I did.

Personally, my roommate just brought home Guitar Hero, and I'm seriously thinking of exploring a career in that direction.

[sandnsea]

21. That's the best choice

I say asdjrocky vote Edwards too.

[asdjrocky]

55. I sure did on Super Tuesday. Even wore my button.

[fadedrose]

19. You're too nice to vote for HC, vote for Obama

The HC backers seem kind of thin-skinned and whiney in my opinion. They dish it out but can't take it very well.

The Obama folks have few like the above, but a lot of them are nice like you.

I'm still for Edwards and would have a hard time backing HC when she is at the root of the problems that Edwards would like to solve. That leaves Obama through the process of elimination....

Rocky, I've read so many of your posts. You will vote with your heart whereever it leads you and not the way anybody tells you.

Elections will always leave you heartbroken. Get used to it.

[asdjrocky]

26. Thanks for the really nice words.

Yeah, they say we fall in love in the primary, and fall in line in the general, problem is, I still don't know which line to get in.

[cindydivine]

22. Suit or Pantsuit...

I'm in the same boat, no wait, suit, uh no pantsuit... oh crap, I don't even know :)

I completely understand and relate to where you are coming from. I feel like I have to support the party and vote for the appropriate suit, but then I get disgusted with myself for caving and really want to stick to my guns.

I am really torn because:

Clinton - she seems to stand for so much that JRE fought against. I think that she does have a lot to offer, so I am not dismissing her... I just think she represents the "establishment" and we do need something "new" right now. Plus, the whole idea of continuing with war politics bothers me.

Obama - he may represent "new" and he may help us re-gain respect around the world, but there is so much in his policies that seems kind of blah, nothing really bold to grab on to.

I know I need to further investigate each person, and I have done a little, but I kind of feel like it is a betrayal and I give up easily - not that reading health care plans, exit strategies, and domestic agendas isn't exciting ;)

[cindydivine]

23. How annoying am I

I used quotes and smileys in the same post.

gag.

[asdjrocky]

56. Not annoying at all!

I think you're divine, Cindy.

[FrenchieCat]

24. Pick Hillary. That way your losing streak will continue! n/t

[Catchawave]

62. You make Wes Clark proud....

:eyes:

[Jed Dilligan]

25. Vote for Obama, because he has an antipoverty plan and she doesn't.

We are headed into a recession/depression. We need a president who can lead and who already understands the needs of the extremely poor.

[bpeale]

28. well, that definitely leaves obama out. he knows nothing about poverty

nor does he care about our problems.

[Jed Dilligan]

30. Bzzzt.

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/poverty/

Now show me the link to where Hillary discusses these issues. (Never mind that she comes across to me as one of the most uncaring people I have ever seen.)

[bpeale]

32. i find it hard to believe someone that went to all the prep schools he did

(and that ain't cheap) cares two good shits about my issues. pardon me while i heave my guts up. obama makes me sick.

[Jed Dilligan]

40. FDR came from the streets, yo.

I really catch your drift...

:rofl:

[Blue_In_AK]

27. Wish I could help you out there, Rocky,

but I have the same dilemma. :shrug:

[MissDeeds]

29. K & R

Good one, Rocky.

[pamela]

31. K & R & lol

I just got back from voting for John Edwards and it felt very, very good. I wore my "I'm voting for John Edwards and you can't stop me" button. I know that wasn't what you asked, but I just wanted to share my joy.

This pretty much sums up my thoughts on the "Obama or Clinton?" question...

[Arugula Latte]

39. Young Elvis kicked Bloated Elvis's booo-tay.

[pamela]

44. Very true.

I saw fat, bloated Elvis in concert and it was sad. Kind of awesome, but sad.

[Arugula Latte]

46. ... like a train wreck.

You wanna look, but at the same time you wanna look away. :)

[asdjrocky]

50. Yeah, I wore my button while i voted-

Then I took the I Voted sticker, and put it on the button. Good for you Pam.

[MagsDem]

33. Great post -- definitely go with the empty pantsuit

... based on healthcare. My COBRA is gonna run out soon. LOL!

[chimpymustgo]

34. I'm torn. And sitting out today's primary in DC. I'll be having the margarita.

[K Gardner]

35. You're one of the smartest, most intuitive posters I've ever read, Rocky. You don't

need anyone telling you how to vote. You'll make the right decision for you, whatever it is ! Luv ya, big guy ! :hug:

[Froward69]

36. Well assjocky

"Ok, here’s the deal, I’ve never picked a winner. No one, at any time, has won the nomination when I supported him or her in the primary."

then go for Hillary.

[Catchawave]

60. That wasn't nice :(

:mad:

[cbayer]

37. Sit it out until the GE, then vote for the republican.

Because i want the democrat to win, and with your history.......

[asdjrocky]

51. That's so nice of you, thanks. I keep waiting for -

John to endorse, and it looks like I'll be waiting a bit longer.

[Yael]

38. Rocky -- BIG hugs

:hug:

I will be backing Senator Obama in PA. We have a long term (R) in the house who we want to unseat with a relatively unknown Dem. I think Obama has coattails to motivate new voters and previously apathetic voters to the polls which will draw the down ticket results we need. This (R) is to the right of Bush and NEEDS to go.

Unfortunately, I don't see Senator Clinton drawing the same enthusiastic crowds.

You need to consider your local situation (which if you are still moving, you may not know right away).

I also firmly believe that the proposals on the table today will be meaningless if we are able to sweep downticket. Without the pressure to "give in" and with a veto-proof majority in both halves, we just *may* be able to get more progressive legislation passed than we ever dreamed. That will happen in the congress, not top down.

[asdjrocky]

57. Hey Yael-

Lot of folks I know in Ca have gone Obama. And I've always gotten involved locally, not always as much fun, but much more vital.

[corkhead]

41. anderson, mondale, dukakis, clinton, clinton, gore, dean, kerry, edwards

I recently thought about posting an OP almost identical to yours

I have the same uncanny ability to pick winners.

great minds think alike:toast:

Anderson; yeah, I know. I was young.

[earth mom]

42. Write in. Otherwise, if you absolutely have to pick, flip a coin.

Hillary = Obama.

p.s. I don't think you sound angry or bitter. But IMO, if people aren't pissed off with what happened to Edwards, then they are NOT paying attention!

Good luck with your decision. :hi:

[yeswecan08]

43. Use your head ---> Go Obama!

[asdjrocky]

52. Use my head?

Use my HEAD? Are you fu- Ah, forget it, I see you're new. Welcome to DU:hi:

[Catchawave]

61. LOL....that means you want Obama to lose?

Did you read the diary :rofl:

[Neo-wobbly]

45. Third party:

It's the only way to get anything changed.

[Orsino]

47. For me, it's come down to voting against the one who has proven over many, many years...

...that she is no progressive, and voting for the one who has failed to act like a progressive for fewer years and who might still be trainable.

:scared:

[Inspired]

48. Since we've already voted,

the remaining choice is who could we support enthusiastically in the general. Maybe donate a few bucks here and there and be a volunteer. I'll vote for the Democrat either way but I'd like to be happy about it.

I'm leaning Obama, Rocky, but I could go either way.

I'm actually waiting for Edwards to announce his endorsement before making a final decision. I trust his opinion because he has inside knowledge of both Obama's and Clinton's campaigns. I like the way he thinks and I know that when he makes his choice, he will have put a lot of thought into it.

[varelse]

49. Flip a coin - heads = suit, tails = pantsuit

I voted for Edwards on Super Tuesday, and now am just waiting for one of the two Democratic "front runners" to get the nomination. I see a few differences between them but honestly one does not seem superiour to the other at this point. It's all a name-calling, feces-flinging, mud-wrestling match now. Who can make the most dirt stick while keeping as much as possible off his/her own suit. Well, I never claimed to love politics much.

Maybe turn to helping Kucinich's rival in his House race? I can't even remember the dem who's challenging him, but with your track record, supporting his opponent in the primary should pretty much guarantee a win for Dennis, right? Right???

OK OK I'm just joking - really!

Now seriously - how about devoting your time and energy to something *other* than the Presidential primary? I mean, while your fellow Dems duke it out over which of the two suits is best, you could be doing something more fun and inspirational to promote the causes that you and Edwards both champion. Help get funding for Habitat for Humanity, or get more people registered to vote (as Democrats, of course!), or even participate in politics at a more local level. Then, after the rest of the Democrats choose the nominee, you can re-join the Presidential election and help get support back from all the Democrats and Progressives that are so disgusted with the whole process that they're planning to give it a miss.

Meanwhile, DU is still a really great place to hang out and discuss current events and issues - if you stay clear of GD:P's event horizon. Please stick around. You'll be missed if you don't :)

How's that sound?

[asdjrocky]

53. I hear ya-

And that's sound advice. I've been doing stuff for two local Congressional races recently. That does help.

[Hill_YesWeWill]

54. Lol, I can't help you, I'm in the same boat, plus my guy always loses too!

I've only voted in 2 general elections, 2000, & 2004, and obviously we lost both!

You know, honestly I'm having the same problem, I'm definately still a Clinton supporter, but I'm really taken with Obama right now.

All I can say is that as a Clinton supporter I've been a little put off by her brand of politics. Don't get me wrong, I think she's an expert at political strategy, and I think she would've beat Obama a long time ago if they were playing the same game. But Obama really seems to be playing a new game, and she's had to adapt to his campaign. Honestly, if I had a choice I'd definately prefer for his type of politics to be the norm!

To me, Clinton's a really safe easy choice I think. And, if you want to have the first female president, that's a plus. But, she wouldn't change the political process at all, it would really be more of the same, and if you want that, then she's probably your best choice.

But, Obama, if he's for real, he could change our country. I really like how he campaigns, I love his speeches and he brings in so many new voters.

Just think about it, all these students he's getting out to the polls, what if he inspired them enough for them to stay involved in politics?

We could really win in a landslide in November.

Just some thoughts, good luck! Either way I think a Dem is going to win in November!

[cindydivine]

58. Shiny and new

I agree about Obama's speeches, he is quite charming. But, I kind of wonder if I've just gotten used to a president that does not have a command of the English language.

I can't, in all good conscience, vote for someone just because they can pronounce nuclear - hehehehe :nuke:

[asdjrocky]

59. Thank you for your thoughtful reply.

I have great problems with both Hillary and Obama, mostly stemming from the fact, that I'm first a Progressive, and second a Democrat.

I've been in both Iowa, and Nevada for caucus, and I did a great deal of work in my home state of California. I've had up-close experience with Obama supporters, Hillary supporters, and hell, I've even run off a few Ron Paul supporters, and to a person, I found them to be the least informed of any other supporters I encountered on the campaign trail.

Nothing wrong with getting young people involved, the problem is, get them involved with more of their heads, and less of their hearts.

By the way, Ron Paul has had a big youth following. Oh yeah, and welcome to DU :hi: