Americans revved up for election?
Enthusiastic New Hampshire Primary Goers (PHOTO CREDIT: AP)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
"Americans are revved up... and ready to vote."
That's according to a front page story in "USA Today." We saw it with record turnouts in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary... and now this: by a 2-to-1 margin, Americans are pumped up for the upcoming election.
A new USA Today-Gallup poll shows that compared to previous elections, 62% of those surveyed say they're "more enthusiastic" about voting this time around.
So what's getting people so fueled up for this election? The reasons are many… including opposition to the war in Iraq, anxiety about a possible recession, dissatisfaction with President Bush and disgust with gridlock in Washington.
It's a good thing then that Americans seem optimistic about what they're seeing out there on the campaign trail.
This same poll shows 87% of those surveyed say it makes a real difference who is elected president. 84% say there's a candidate running who would make a good president, and that's a bipartisan view. 72% say the candidates are talking about issues that they, the people, really care about. And, 67% say the election process is working the way it should.
Here’s my question to you: Are you more enthusiastic than usual about this year’s election?
To see the Cafferty File video click here
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Evan writes:
To even fathom that this year's election isn't the biggest thing to hit America since sliced bread would be foolish. It's a huge election with tons of players and the stability of an entire nation at risk.
Jim from Los Angeles writes:
Enthusiastic? You bet. I just listened to Thompson interviewed on TV. He crowed about the First Amendment, illegals, and right to life. No mention of the nation's issues. Huckabee promotes a Constitution more like the Bible. McCain and Thompson are in their 70s like me. (We walk funny, can't get up off our knees, snore and generally stare a lot). And, of course there is "Mitt" silver spoon. Excited and ecstatic am I? You bet.
Jeff from Connecticut writes:
Hell no, Jack! How can any intelligent American be enthusiastic about the same old dog and pony show? When Congress starts exercising its authority (and obligation) to impeach or indict corrupt, self-serving treasonous politicians, then and only then will I become enthusiastic and proud to be an American again.
Shelley writes:
As a first time voter, I am extremely excited about this election and the change that many of the candidates are offering. I think that this election will have the highest turnout of voters ever, especially from the younger voters. This election will make history and everyone wants to have a part in it.
Pete from Florida writes:
Jack, I think many of us were, up until Tuesday when "American Idol" started.
James writes:
I think this sums up the true feeling. “Electile Dysfunction”: The inability to become aroused over any of the choices for president put forth by either party in the 2008 election year.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Yes, I am much more enthusiastic. You know why? Because this year Americans will elect a president, who will finish America off!
Enthusiastic Jack? No, I'd be more enthusiastic about an Impeachment! This is more like survival! We have to get a Democrat in the White House and more in the House and Senate. I really don't get the Republicans and how they can even go to debates and not condemn Bush! There is nothing to be "Enthusiastic" about when yo have no Adult leadership in the White House! Just Criminals!
The condition of our country depresses me; however, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to rid ourselves of the politicians responsible. Just like spring cleaning, it's good to clean the place up and throw out the trash.
Jack, I remember elections in the past where the winner promised change and we just saw the status quo. The country was excited when Jonh F Kennedy and when Bill Clinton became President, and for all their promises and dreams, look where we are. On the Republican side our disappointment was worse. I will vote
in November and perhaps in our primary, but I won't hold my breath to see change.
Of course. This will be the first time I can vote. All the candidates are floundering for my decision, for my voice. It's the most exciting thing I've ever done.
Yes, I am enthusiastic about the Presidential election! I just wish the news media,CNN, Fox,and others would put forward more questions from the public; instead of "measured questions/filtered" I feel that during these recent Presidential Debates very little of the public questions were allowed. Here is hoping for better public input!
Yes, because I am eager to close the book on the current regime in the White House. Asking the next president to throw Bush and Cheney in prison for what they done to this country. The president would have their hands full fixing this country.
I am, I just hope the "real Republicans" are mad enough to stop the NEO-CONS & the Religious Rightist from ruining their party, or they have enough guts to vote for the Democratic candidate.
I'm not more enthusiastic about this election, I'm just eager to see this endless circus of clowns, autocrats, and theocrats vanish from my newspaper and my television screen. No one should be allowed to campaign for more than 6 weeks prior to the election. That's more than enough time to hear everyone's canned promises and lies but not long enough for more than one smear campaign per major candidate.
You bet, but I'm more interested in the congressional races than the presidency. If we don't get rid of the "good old" boys and girls and replace them with new then it won't matter who becomes the Commander in Chief it will be the same old partisan story.
damn straight jack, I'm a voter who's madder than hell and i don't have to take it anymore. you and Lou can be credited for my political awakeening.it's gotten ugly out here and my American spirit has haunted me over the direction this nations
path is on, for my kids sake, i have know choice but to get completely involved.
50 years old and i realize that this will be the most important vote Ive ever casted.
and i will cast it.
scott bowling green, mo.
I was really getting into it this time, until Dennis Kucinich was marginalized and then silenced out of the race. Now, it doesn’t even matter because we will only be allowed to vote for the political hacks acceptable to NBC et. al. We haven’t even started the voting process, only heard from the corporately selected few and already it’s just another rigged election.
NO, I'm very worried. We are in deep trouble if the Democrats win. Higher taxes and illegals will be let in, AT OUR EXPENSE! Why should we when they don't respect us enough to apply legally?
Let's not forget that they have already committed multiple crimes, including felonies, since they worked with stolen identities. They will also be able to bring in a lot of their relatives.
What do you say to those who are legally waiting their turn outsdie of this country?
As a Republican I can honestly say the party isn't showing me much this time. I do think I am getting caught up in the Obama wave. He has been to Washinghton, seen how it works and doesn't like it. Neither do I. Perhaps a young man with fresh ideas, carisma, and from what I 've seen of him so far pure class can get the two sides of the Senate and Congress to actually work together and get something (other than changing the menu) done.
Now if he took away the Senate's pension and signed them up for Social Security there would be plenty of money to fund it his entire term. If he took away Congress's health plan he could fund one for the entire country.
My problem with change isn't so much the President as the government. It is time to clean house and get some new blood in there. Ted Kennedy's predecessor came over on the Mayflower. We must change the players if we really want to change the game!
I was at first, but the closer it gets the more discouraged I get about what my potential choices will be. Granted anything is better than the present but how much better? I am looking a for a huge margin of difference and I do not see that with any of the front runners of either party. Although I have been voted democratic my whole life I believe as an independent I can vote in my state's republican primary, and I will be casting a vote for Ron Paul even though he is more convservative than I usually support. In the likely event that he does not win the nomination I will be hoping Bloomberg enters the race. The rest of the choices all seem to be "robocandidate."
Jack, if being more enthusiastic means being Madder than Hell, then yes, consider me well above the enthusiasm threshold of wanting to throw the bums out. I hope this is the year for more smart voters to say NO INCUMBENTS. After all, every incumbent has had a hand in contributing to any problem or peril we are currently facing. Most especially the longest tenured ones who intimidate and crush the incoming fresh ideas. For voters who want change, do not depend on a politician to do it for you. Remember, If you want it done right, you have to do it yourself in November; no matter who runs for President.
George Bush's gross incompetence has inspired many formerly apolitical people into discussions on politics. Though depressing, at least it replaces the drone of Britney-speak and American Idol rehashing at the office water cooler.
No, I don't think any of the candidates are capable of controlling the government . There's too many incompetent people holding very important jobs for any one person to get a handle on it at least in one term. Thanks to Bush, our government is in the sewer and is going to take years to straighten out, no one person is capable of such a task. He or she will be mowed down like a fresh cut lawn!!!!!
YES, very much so.
there needs to be MAJOR changes in the way the Federal Government does business and the ONLY way that will happen is IF the Democrates take the White House, Congress and Senate with a supermajority so that the "Republican'ts" can NOT block legislation. this country needs a 21st century "new deal" to correct all the problems caused by the current administration's trade, social, fiscal and foreing policies which have been a DISASTER for average working Americans and retirees.
I am looking less forward about this election. It's always about money. The oil companys and big companys will always buy their way and win. Today there is more money than ever to corrupt our politicians. We can't have gas savers, (EXXON) won't let that happen. and other oil companys, they're too big. and we're too little.
Of course we are, we plan on having a party the day the WORST President in history leaves office!
6 p.m.: Are you more enthusiastic than usual about this year's election?
Jack,
Enthusiastic isn't the word I'd use. Rather, pessimistic is the word. Not only are the current candidates not ready for prime time, I wouldn't foist them on a Bananaland. Compare them to Harry Truman or Dwight Eisenhower.... none of them could hold a candle to either of them.
Let's pray for a dark horse - with a brain and the smarts to use it logically, rationally, critically to derive simple solutions to complex problems. (Remember K.I.S.S.?)
Regards,
Jim.
Jack,
Yes, I am. The Iraq War, the probable recession, 12 million illegal immigrants; Clinton versus Obama. The GOP race, one day it's one candidate, the next day another. The United States image is at stake in the world. His election could be the most critical in our history. Of course I am, the world is watching.
Chris
Garden City,Michigan
Jack,
I wouldn't say more enthusiastic, more entertained maybe, from the democrats taking stabs at one another – like Clinton's racial comments, etc, to the annointed republicans stealing other people's ideas – like Huckabee saying were having a revolution – that's original for Ron Paul! All most all of them can be found saying what ever it takes to get elected, like Romney promising Michigan voters that the federal government will do good things for that state, yeah there's one I believe! And let's not forget the vote counting fraud that's already taken place in New Hamshire, that's really hillarious!
The whole thing seems like just a big dog and pony show to make us little voters feel like we actually have a say in the process of selecting our executive branch.
There is only candidate that we should all get excited about, and he is the one that get's censored, copied and ridiculed, you guessed it, Ron Paul.
Rob T.
Dearborn, Michigan
As a retired engineer from a bankrupt co that first moved their assets to Mexico (Clinton) and now to China (Bush), there isn't a democrat or Republican I would vote for. Our only hope is for a Bloomberg / Dobbs ticket to get this country turned around !!!!!
All these people excited to vote and American Idol just started. Hopefully everyone is paying attention to what they vote for. We wouldn't want another dubyah now would we
Jack
I can only compare this upcoming election to opening your refrigerator the night before food shopping day, THERES NOTHING IN IT !!
The older I get the less enthusiastic I become. Big business runs America. Politicians are their puppets and we the people the pawns.
One stalemate after another.
Definitely, as it signals the end of the worst eight years in American history and I want to be a part of making sure it doesn't become twelve. I think most Americans feel the same way and will come out in droves to vote for change. Of course that word has been adopted by most all candidates in both parties, but isn't defined the same by everyone. The only change some candidates will bring to the Oval Office is the name on the door, and that can't happen.
Absolutely, i believe this is the most important election since Lincoln. With much at stake, it's a no brainer to see why so many people are getting involved. also this is the fist election that we are seeing the internet take a huge role in, we live in exponential times. that's my short and sweet summary on how i feel.
I have mixed feelings about this year's elections. Dr. Ron Paul cured my apathy, but I am reminded that the voters of this nation are always more apt to pick the smooth-talking slick walking prototypical politician who falsely campaigns under the banner of change.
Not yet. Some of the candidates represent my views on some issues. Most candidates don't represent me on most issues. Then again, they don't make law. Let's go after Congress!
OH YEAH!!!!!! With an actual Democrat like John Edwards running this year(despite CNN's lack of coverage)we might actually have a chance to take back this country from the entrenched Interests in D.C.!!
I am more excited for this election than I have been in years, but I would like to see more complete and fair coverage from the media for John Edwards, Dennis Kucinich, and Mike Gravel. (And Bill Richardson deserved better coverage, too.) The media coverage for the Republican candidates has been much more even-handed.
I vote in every election, so I'm no more fired up with this coming election than I have been in the past. However, this election is more exciting than in previous elections becuase no sitting Prez or VP or previous VP will be on the ballet. This election will determine who gets to appoint judges to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court will make more descions that affect our daily lives than any President or Congress can. So I implore all Americans who are mostly middle of the roaders to think before electing some far right or left wing whacko to appoint whacko judges like Bork /Thomas/ Scalia to the high court!
Jack, I was enthusiastic about this year's election until Hillary and Bill Clinton began their shenanigans. Their attempt to bring Barack Obama into the mud with them was only moderately succesful. They wanted race and gender to be a part of the mix and the media to focus on how these two candidates are slugging it out about these issues. The media took the bait and ran with it, because it is a battle/royale. Jeff Toobin blames both camps, but we know that the Clinton's were the progenitors and the one's feeding the frenzy. From Sheehan, to Bob Kerrey, to Bil Clinton to Bob Johnson and Charlie Rangel. Why is it that no one can point to an Obama surrogate. Because Obama had nothing to win from playing the race card and everything to lose. The Clinton make me sick, I voted for them in the 90's but I won't again. Period.
I'm enthusiatic about John Edwards who I think is the strongest candidate for President and the only one able to beat the Republicans; I am VERY disappointed and upset by how the mainstream media has consistenly been ignoring his candidacy.
Yes I am, Jack. I am glad that voter turnout has been high and that people, especially young voters, are taking an interest in what the candidates have to say. That's the only way we, the people, can take our government back from big business and special interest groups. I only hope we elect a President who will lead us to a better world than the one given us by the past few decades of partisan pettiness and myoptic government.
Absolutely! The race is so up in the air on both sides, it's quite an emotional rollercoaser. Most everyone believes strongly in what their candidate can do for this country, it's really making the candidates live up to those expectations! Even if everyone isn't particularly passionate about one specific candidate, the recent excitement is proving the American election prcoess isn't dead, and that all americans are concerned fro the well-being of this great nation!
You bet I'm excited about the 2008 Election, a chance to return sanity to this country and get rid of the Republican crooks in Washington, especially Bush-Cheney.
I support John Edwards for President. He's on the side of the poor and downtrodded in this country.
Enthusiastic?
Jack, let me say this about that: I'm no more enthusiastic about this election than any other, but I am firmly more committed to sending a message to the present elected congress that they have done absolutely squat to show us that they deserved my vote last time around! If you want to say that is enthusiasm, then I suggest Jack, that you get a new dictionary, I call it COMMITMENT!!!
Jack: Yes, I'm more excited than usual because Americans have something to be enthused about on the horizon - President John Edwards.
John Edwards is taking on the fight to restore democracy to America. The epic battle that he knows America is facing goes much deeper than words, even well-intentioned ones such as 'hope' and 'change', it goes to the core of the very principles upon which this nation was founded. John Edwards has gone beyond the political rhetoric of class wars or unification of the people because he has gone to the heart of the matter - restoring our democracy to a place where the American Dream is truly available to all will restore integrity to this country.
So, yes, I'm looking forward to a new tomorrow where liberty and justice for all will be a truth!
Vote Edwards '08
You bet I'm excited about the 2008 Election, a chance to return sanity to this country and get rid of the Republican crooks in Washington, especially Bush-Cheny. Send them back to their ranches to count their money.
I support John Edwards for President. He's on the side of the poor and downtrodded in this country, of which I am a part after the Bush years.
Jan Davis
Knoxville, TN
YES! Jan. '09 can't get here soon enough! I thought there was a lot at stake in '04, but we need a change of foreign policy even more now than 4 years ago. I only hope this administration doesn't start another war before they leave office.
Just who are they polling Jack? The haves, the special interests, the silent majority, those who want something for nothing, demand things they have no right to, college students and the 40% or less who vote. Enough said Jack, that says it all. Talk is cheap, professing doesn" mean you are and it is all in the deed Jack and to make a pun "Thats a fact Jack" as the movie goes.
Hey Jack:
I would not use the word "enthusiastic", since I'm not really convinced any of the 'front-runners' will fullfil any of their campaign promises..... but, I can assure you I will vote in my states primary (Feb 12) just to make sure I vote for the least EMPTY of them all....I just hope is not too late to eliminate an earhead!!!!
I do have hope that the news media (including your network) adhere to some standards of "content"..... just because I think that the Ticker should not be full of "reports" about how Hillary treat the reporters in the trail, or how Huckabee spend a few minutes throwing snowballs to somebody.... we are already saturated with all the posible places to get 'news'...
FORGET THE APPETIZERS!!!! let's get to the beef, PLEASE!!!
Oh yes. Oh yes. Oh yes. I haven't had so much fun in years.
Jack
I have been watching you for sometime now. And my impresion of you is that your fair and honest. So why dont you bring up Ron Paul once and a while?
Jack,
These illegal aliens did not cross the border overnight and it is not feasible to deport them overnight. A phase deportation program shall be implemented which may require several years to complete. However, in the meantime, stiff fines should be charged to the employers of illegal aliens or enforce the current laws. This will alone stops and discourage flow of illegals to this country.
No, I can not get enthusiastic about a bunch of "grown-ups" who can't figure out that we have educational and economcial problems that wil just get worse unless something is done about it. I teach, and the so-called "No Child Left Behind" Act is doing just the opposite....we are leaving students behind. If you cut funding to schools that don't "perform" then you fix the problem, you do NOT cut funding to fix the problem. Economically, the Administration and the Congress act like the country has UNlimited monetary resources and they just keep writing bad checks and hoping the foreign "banks" (China, Kuwait, etc) don't call in the loans thay we can't pay for. I guess they (Congress and the Administration) don't know that the interest we pay on national debt is actually one huge OVERDRAFT charge.
McCain does NOT know anything about economics, he just wants to keep our military overseas for a hundred more years; none of the other candidates except for Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinch seem to grasp the notion that we do not have unlimited resoures.
How can we be enthusiastic about this year's election when the validity of the results will again be in question? Today, a recount of the New Hampshire Primary results is taking place and based on reports, LHS the company that prgrammed the Diebold opti-scanners has "misplaced" or "destroyed" the memory cards used to tabulate the vote. This violates federal election laws, requiring that all materials related to an election must be stored for at least 22 months.
Our elections have been corrupted and privatized to such a degree that going to the polls is a masquerade. Who really won the New Hampshire Primary? We'll probably never know.
Donna Glowacki
Lake Orion, MI
Wake me when it's all over, will ya?
I'm revved up for the REVOLUTION Jack. You know what I'm talking about, and so do Wolf and Lou. Don't worry, I won't mention any names. A name only matters when people know who you're refering to. But in time it will be different. I'll be excited for the election when "Change" is not a buzzword but a reality.
G.Beckett
Jack,
Ron Paul is the only candidate not affiliated with the CFR and the only one who will take on, with a plan, the coming depression and economic meltdown of this country. He's the only one who hasn't lied to us in some fashion over the years. He will bring our troops home from a horrendous war of aggression. He is being censored big time by all the media, and it is becoming painfully obvious who really runs this country....and it ain't us Jack. This all the while we are having a recount in New Hampshire with the "voting machines" having minds of their own. People need to really wake up if they really want any "change" like you guys are spinning all the time ad nauseum. Heck Jack you guys are part of the problem over there!
It's time to take this country back and try and fix the horrible damage done by the last 2 administrations.
A. Hardman
Yes I am so enthusiastic about this year's election that I can only wait for it to be over.
yes and no. like everyone else i'm hungry for change and personally i don't see it in people like clinton who is a relic of the past. still, like so many i'm wary of listening to all these politicians because it is exactly these people who have helped put us in the mess that we find ourselves in. i want to believe change is possible, but i'm not sure that a politician is exactly the best person to trust to play midwife to it. we have an ooportunity to usher in change, but do we have other choices than politicians to birth it?
Jack, I'm absolutely bouncing off the walls over this year's election! At 64, I can't remember the last time I was this excited about an election, or thought it was this important. Having so many viable candidates in the race is giving me whiplash, but it is utterly fascinating to watch.
Since there is nothing to watch on tv, I think more people are paying attention to the race and candidates. I think we should have a writer's strike in hollywood every four years to concide with the presidential race. This is the ulitmate reality show but you can't text your vote in – go to the polls America!
Yes! Because we have a chance to elect someone – John Edwards – who is practical, smart, and resolute enough to tackle our huge problems. As another JRE supporter said on a blog, we have hope because he is willing to fight!
Yes, it is rather exciting this year and with all the difficulties our nation is faced with we all should be aware and concerned with the presidential races. After the last two elections we see a blantent attempt to control votes and the ability to stop voting, and it isn't the republicans this time around.
It is a shame the canidates that actually don't have a chance to become president are having their voices silenced in not given the oppurtunity to express their views at debates. While some canidates are throwing mud, the canidates unwelcome to debates haven't a voice to throw their own mud. I want to see more mud and shameless behaviour from the Clinton camp it keeps me on my sit to see them act like the fools in the current white house.
Yes, because finally I get a chance to vote against Hillary Clinton. I would have had alot more respect for her if she would have divorced Bill after the Lewinsky affair, but alas she needed him politically. Give me a Break!! I am going to be very diligent when punching my voting card so this election doesn't hang on my chad.
It is so much more interesting than any race that I can remember. One thing I wonder is how Romney answers the question about who he would lay off if he was elected since he says he is a business turn around expert and most of those guys turn things around by getting rid of workers. What would his plan be for those people since they still would need to eat, sleep and take care of their kids.
I've never had interest in politics my entire life. I've always seen politicians as liars, cheaters, and thieves. But one man has changed everything for me: Ron Paul.
Actually, I'm less enthusiastic about this election than any election in my lifetime. As a Democrat, I find absolutely no inspiration from anybody in either party. I am utterly disappointed, dejected and discouraged. WAH!!!!!
Sorry Ms. Steele, but it's not the Democrats, but Republicans that are primarily responsible for the influx of illegals in the past three decades. They are needed for cheap labor at conservative Republican, capitalistic, corporate sweatshops that feed obscene profits to your GOP elite.
Neither Ronald Reagon or either or the Bushs intended to turn the tide because they have their eyes on the dollars they can make. Underregulated capitalism is corrupting this country to the point that nothing matters unless it makes a dollar; look at healthcare. It's a big money maker for greedy capitalists and conservatives to who cares those that can't afford to pay die in the gutter.
I am absolutely thrilled, especially by the high voter turnout so far. Anything that raises the level of VOTING, as opposed to complaining , is thrilling.
Add to that the following:
the first Mormon
the first Black
the first Woman
the first Minister
All running for president!
Regardless of party, we all have so much to be proud of, because we have come so far.
The only thing that would make it more thrilling is if all of us could resist the siren call of sleaze and lies in favor of a focus on the Issues. I think all that dirt has kept voter turnout low, and I would love to see the MEDIA refuse to give it air time, exactly as Lou Dobbs refused to discuss or play the Swift Boat crap in 2004. He is the absolute Gold Standard of Political Reporting. Regardless of how you may see his view point, he refuses to be drawn into the gutter, and always has time for first person opposition voices, and never states rumor or innuendo as fact. NEVER.
If we can keep the crazies and bigots from spreading their lies about all of these people, and we can keep the MEDIA from repeating those lies to get ratings, then we have a decent chance at electing a groundbreaking President that finally reflects AMERICA. Assuming the Supremes stay out of it of course.
I am very enthused about this election!! Here in Iowa, we already caucused and we spent a lot of time with the candidates. I was a precinct captain for Barack Obama and personally met him at 5 different events. He is a truly new candidate. He isn't an entrenched part of the mess in Washington. He's been there just long enough to see what is going on and figure out what changes need to be made. We must end the stranglehold the Bushes and Clintons have had on the office of President or nothing will change. I really believe Obama can inspire us to come together, to work together to return this nation to greatness. I feel hope for our future when I see the activism of the young people who are out in front in the organizing for Obama. God bless them all.
I never thought a President really had a lot of power until I saw Bush misuse his. That, in itself, made me realize how important this election is. I think America has seen what making the wrong decision can do.
Yes and no.
I will vote but at the same time I do not see anyone out there that I have full faith in to do what is right for America.
Mel
Colorado
I have NEVER VOTED before im my life because there was no lesser of no evils...Voting machines are being hacked! and no one has ever wanted to stand up for the constitution and liberty but all that has changed now self responsibility and less government is possible we can bring our troops home within month's it is in reach now and im more then happy to say im with the RON PAUL REVOLUTION 2008!!!
Jack:
ARe you PUMPED yet?? Well I can understand why you aren't your network keeps promoting all these clowns. How about give the Thomas Jefferson of our time, RON PAUL, a fair shake. He predicted the USD was headed down, he predicted economic troubles are coming, he predicts war with IRAN is coming. He is sounding the alarm but yet CNN,FOX and rest of the MSM do not want to hear it. Is everyone bought?
Open your eyes the answer is in front of your face. You made Huckabee a MSM creation and give RON PAUl a shake, I promise this candidate will stick with the people!
Thanks,
Joe
I am enthusiastic this year simply because of John Edwards. Seriously. The first election I really cared about was the last one when he first ran for the nomination. He is the only politician I've ever really cared for simply because of his honesty alone. I also hope there will finally be a national Democrat who will really pay attention to the South, because our national leadership has ignored them for too long.
I live just outside Washington, DC, and Edwards' point about lobbyists really is the truth, and I hope he keeps saying that. These politicians you send to us here will not do a single thing for the American people so long as there is "negotiation" of any sort with these special interests. Even if we elect a Democrat into office, it will not happen.
I'm also really excited that Edwards has great support from Evangelicals, who make up 1/3 of his support. I think that Evangelicals feel an intense sense of betrayal from making their pact with the Republicans, who have only used them. I know Edwards can free these voters from this deal with the devil, and break up this voting block for the GOP once and for all.
Jack, I am not mad, or enthusiastic... take it from a guy in Palm Beach County in Florida. I just hope my counts this time.
Jack,
I've never been more enthusiastic about an election before. Then again I've never been more pessimistic about an election. My enthusiasm is all thanks in part to the breath of fresh air that is the Ron Paul Revolution!!! My pessimism on the other hand is all thanks in part to his unbelievably low poll numbers. I guess defending the U.S. constitution has now become a trivial issue. Nevertheless, I am so passionate about Ron Paul's message of prosperity through peace, getting rid of the federal reserve and numerous other platforms, that I will continue to campaign for him like there is no tomorrow.
I am and I think because of the time and and the situation of the government. With the economy and the war there are so many issues to addresse this year and this term. It is just sad to see the news stations side towards one candiate or another and just showing the negiative of the others. I do believe that H. Clinton is getting a raw deal with most if not all the News Channels, and that to me is just sad but it is making Clinton supporters stronger, and at the beginning I wasn't but after seeing what is happening I have turned my support to her.
Thanks,
Jack:
This will be the first time I vote in a primary. With the media touting Obama as the second coming I have to be the voice of reason and vote for someone actually qualified to be President. Sure Obama can talk a good game, but what politician can't? We need results.
No, the media , by and large ,has shown its agenda. An agenda that includes preserving the status quo , where big business and special interests run the show and the US Constitution (you know, the document all the candidates, bar Ron Paul, pay lip service to) gets trampled on along with our freedoms.
Am I excited? No, frankly I am disgusted. The Press is supposed to be the watchdog not the sheepdog.
Goodnight America.
Mark Weatherly
Nevada
I am very enthusiastic with this years election because of Ron Paul. Ron Paul cured my apathy. I can finally be proud of who I am voting for. We finally have a good candidate who stands for the people, instead of big business and the CFR. I truly hope Ron Paul becomes the next president, I fear where this country is going with all the other candidates. I feel Ron Paul has a real plan for this country. This country needs change, a change that only Ron Paul can bring.
Karl
Rockford, Illinois
Of course I'm enthusiastic about this election Jack. Come November, history will change when either Barack or Hillary wins. The whole world is carefully watching, so lets not screw this up.
I'd have been more excited if we'd done this five years ago when it became obvious to everyone that the person in the White House wasn't fit to be there. But yes, I'm very excited, enough so that I might start my own revolt if we don't get someone in there who will do something about the state of this country.
I love this election , its my first time voting and i will be voting for Dr. Paul, He has great solutions for the economy, the war, Civil Liberties, the 2nd ammendment and the list goes on.
Frank
Louisiana
I am more cynical about this election than others. The 24-hour news outlets and the internet media have a real bias as to the candidates they support and are willing to disguise ads for their candidates as news articles and news shows. Anyone with any brains knows they have a candidate and are pushing them. I call this press pushing similar to poll pushing. The media does little to hide their like for one candidate. People more and more get their information from these outlets without taking the time to check what they state or care whether the "news" is biased. There are two leading candidates who would not even be viable without the media behind them. We keep talking about how bad our government is and fail to really look at how bad our media acts. There is no neutral media anymore. A great deal of the media used to be owned by families now it is owned by corporations. An example of a show with a bias is Hardball with Chris Matthews. Mr. Matthews went on the Tonight Show (NBC) and went on and on how he liked Obama (MSNBC) both owned by one global corporation. There are too many examples to mention here. If the press picks the next president then the press needs to share in the blame for when things go badly (look up the press coverage of George Bush).
"Enthusiastic?" Well, that depends on who ends up in the general election. I live in VA, where our primaries are too late in the process to count for much. Enthusiastic or not, do I think this election is critical? Absolutely! With the damage the current Administration has done to this country, both at home and abroad, it's critical that we get someone in there who can and will begin the hard work of repairing the damage. And I think it's safe to say that "someone" won't be coming from the GOP. Seven years with this messianic neanderthal at the helm has been seven years too many. Let's find someone who's more interested in listening to the American people than to some pipeline to his own personal God, with whom the rest of us may or may not agree. (BTW, don't we usually institutionalize, or at least medicate, people who hear & act on the advice of "voices" no one else can hear?)
While most of the voters are enthusiastic about the upcoming election, they are allowing that to get in the way of silly things like actually researching their choices.
So, we have a more excited and less informed electorate...wonderful.
Meanwhile, the media is continually pushing their 2 Democrat darlings and calling for Edwards to get out even though he is in a dead heat in Nevada despite set backs, the media isn't giving him the time of day, and the delegate count stands at Obama 25, Clinton 24, and Edwards 18 according to CNNs own scoreboard. A whopping 7 delegate difference with at least 2000 more delegates needed before anyone has the nomination.
Why is there no call on the Republicans to drop out when Romney is ahead of ALL his competition by 29 DELEGATES and with only 1191 need for their nomination?!
Get real Jack - Enthusiam is great, but in the end we're electing our next President.
Maybe the American people could put more research into learning about the candidates and their actual PLANS for America than they would buying a car or picking a shirt to wear out on a date.
But what does it matter...as long as they're enthusiastic about it, right Jack?
I am excited to vote because I am new to the process. However as I have looked into the issues more, I see an overwhelming majoirty of people that are uneducated on many of the issues. "The economy is bad so I'm going to vote for so and so." Many people dont understand that things aren't fixed by simply switching parties in power. Wise up!
Jack, I think many of us were, up until Tuesday when "American Idol" started.
I am excited that the War-Monger is leaving office soon. You mean, am I excited about America's course of going down the drain ?
No.
Ron Paul is the only candidate worthy of a nomination, but America Voters are sheep and will do whatever the media tells them to. I am only enthusiastic at the idea that people will wake up and see the light, it may be a long time before we have an opportunity to change the course of our country. I hope it's not too late.
No. I have a blue heart and live in a red state. If we abolish the electoral college and my votes start counting, then I'll be enthusiastic.
Its frustrating to hear people say they are energized because "it's been the worst 8 years in our history." That idiotic, uneducated reason is the problem with voters today. Anyone forget about the Civil War? The Great War, Great Depression or World War II? Maybe even the 1960's when our greatest leaders were being murdered. No, obviously none of those time periods can compare to the evil empire that has maintained your ability to "blog."
Hell no Jack!
How can any intelligent American be enthusiastic about the same old dog and pony show? When Congress starts execising it's authority (and OBLIGATION) to impeach or indict corrupt, self-serving treasonous politicians then AND ONLY THEN will I become enthusiastic and proud to be an American again.
The only candidates worth getting excited about have been marginalized by the media into oblivion as usual. I would be excited to vote in November if only it wouldn't be the lesser of two evils, but of course it will be. If you want to see truly excited voters, trash this terrible two-party system.
Yes but, only because everything, and I mean EVERYTHING is going down the tubes. We are going broke and the war in Iraq is now beyond our means.
The real estate market is going broke, just like in 1928, before the Great Depression.
Some are sure the Recession will be obvious to the blind before the elections.
The Republicans will not win any race, not even dog catcher.
The Democracts will compete with each other to promise the best future and the other candidates will point out to us the flaws, if any, in THEIR plans.
In time, we shall know the truth and make a wise choice.
And, massive projects will put people to work and improve the economy.
All we need to do is survive until Jan 20th, 2009.
Yes, I am enthusiastic because the smartest candidate will win and he will have the best plan to get us out of the quagmire in Iraq and in the US economy,
his name is John Edwards. I hope he picks Obama for VP, then they will make long range plans for America that favor ALL Americans, and they can plan for 16 years to get it done! Yes, I am very enthusiastic. The BEST is yet to come.
Excited? No, I don't think so. I'm still depressed that 325,000 people in Iowa decided who I can't vote for before I had a chance to vote.
I'm more enthusiastic than a teenage teeny bopper awaiting the season premier of American Idol. Just like American Idol, with a new cast of characters with different personalities and backgrounds, the 2008 GOP primary season is hyping up to be second to none. I shall stay tuned to see who gets voted off next. Hopefully that fear mongering Rudy gets voted off next. Also, that arrogant yuppy from Massachusetts needs to go as well despite his cute young face. That religous guy is kinda nice, the rock star image is pretty cool, but I think he's a little off base with his illegal immigration ideas. I like the actor guy's strong voice, but I think that is all he has going for him. That former POW guy is a very honorable man with good intentions however I don't believe those intentions reflect the American people's best interest. Ron Paul is my pick. He's sweet. He's honest, and he cares.
Yes, I am more enthusiastic and more disgusted! Why? Unfortunately, this is getting ridiculous! Obviously America is not ready for an inexperienced Mulato who goes to a Black Liberation church, a more experienced woman with a former president for a husband or a trial lawyer who shouts populist rhetoric but lives way above all the people he claims to be concerned about. America probably isn't ready for a Morman or a Southern Baptist either. That leaves Rudi, McCain, Thompson or an Independent. Way to go America. You are narrowing the field! 🙁
The Presidents job description is to uphold and defend the constitution. We have had years and years of agenda driving drones who have attacked our constitution under the guise of helping the underpriveledged or defending against terrorism.
Only one candidate has a record of defending the constitution against all political, social, and moral pressures. Only one candidate has a history of taking the constitution seriously.
So, for the first in my life, there is a candidate this election that makes this lifetime Democrat proud and excited to vote for.
Go Ron Paul!
I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore. The Revolution starts with YOU.
NO, absolutely not. We have a very serious problem attracting quality people to run for office.
Yes Jack,
I'm extremely excited and dedicated to see Cong. Ron Paul take office as our next President. Can you just imagine how it would feel to be free again?
Jack I personally like McCain. I signed up for his campaign in 2000 and this election cycle, and I have donated money to him. I am eager to see him redeem his shot at the presidency after those nasty tactics that Bush pulled on him in South Carolina 8 years ago. I think that he has the leadership we are looking for in a commander-in-chief, and he will reach across partisan lines to break the gridlock with the democrats. If the conservatives in the republican party were smart, they would stop sitting down with the representatives from the petroleum companies and filling the conference rooms with "thick black smoke," and nominate the one guy that could give the democrats a run for their money in an election where they are supposed to clobber the republicans.
Enthusiastic isn't the word, Jack. Terrified is more like it. Between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama fighting about race, and Mike Huckabee talking about amending the Constitution to bring it in line with God's standards, we do not have a qualified field of candidates. I just hope that someone comes forth with some straight talk. I want to hear more about the issues, not personal sniping.
Yes, my family (husband and two children) are waiting with baited breath to see if this country will have another REVOLUTION! Mybe the American voters will this time look at the candidates stand on all of the issues and look at their voting records. Nice words do not make this country strong, actions and deeds do. Wake up voters, oh, that's right, some voters cannot even vote in the primaries in some states(those states that have closed primaries-no independents can vote) and those states that changed their primary dates(Michigan, some candidates not on ballot). But yes, we are excited to vote for the REVOLUTION!
Jack,..Personally,I`ve Never missed an election,..But,This year,..People are Totally Enraged about our government,..The people want to speak out,they want their votes to be counted and they want accountability.
It seems the people in Washington DC are so far out of touch with the harsh realities of people trying to make ends meet.This election is about 'taking the country back to the real people'. The Real people are having a Very difficult time just paying their utilities and the basic cost of living. We need an administration who will truly care. So Yes,This election is of the utmost importance.
The last year I was excited to vote for a president was the first year I was able to vote, 1996. That was also the last time I felt honored, before now, about voting. 1996 was Ross Perot, 2008 goes to Ron Paul.
Can it be exciting, to watch each party fail to reach a consense and the candidates bluster more for the cameras attention? Heavens yes. Who needs the writers to entertain us.
Sure, I'm enthusiastic. I always get enthusiastic when there's an impending financial collapse, a march to another war, a coming military draft and more empty promises from politicians in Washington. Here's one vote for a man named Ron Paul. Here's one vote to save our country. It's just a shame he can't get elected.
I think we are not more enthusiastic, but just desperate. Country is falling apart, and media is spending hours discussing who said what about other candidate. Get them concentrate on issues and forget the bickering.
When economy is falling (I think we are in a recession already) and I see reports about Bush dancing with the sward over his shoulder, it makes me sick. It's probably too late for impichment now, but will we survive this year, and what new disasters will hit while nothing is being done to help regular people who work for leaving and barely able to pay bills for basic needs?
I am supporting democrats (for lack of better choice), and it makes me angry to hear media calling the Senate democratic. Wake up people! THERE IS NOT ENOUGH DEMOCRATS IN THE SENATE TO PUSH THROUGH ANYTHING WITHOUT SUPPORT OF REPUBLICANS, OR BE ABLE TO OVERRIDE PRESIDENTIAL VETO!
I still hope that next president (I personally hope it will be Hillary Clinton, but I am willing to support any democrat nominated) will be able to start pulling country back again. It's hard to see how anybody could be worse than current leader.
I am enthusiastic and I think Democratic voters are excited about the heated race between Obama and Clinton. I however think Republicans are at an all time low of enthusiasm due to the options being presented by the party. Of course Ron Paul supporters are the exception, but are forced to search high and low just to get any sort of news update mentioning his name. My vote is for Paul/Cafferty in '08.
Not at all. Perhaps the record turnouts have to do with so many people being unemployed they needed something to do. Or perhaps so many people have lost their homes since this campaign started and no one in Congress or the Senate are doing a damn thing about it that these people just needed a warm place to go for a few hours until it is back to the street or shelter. Empty promises of change are not drawing people anywhere. It is all those promises of change that never came that is driving people into the streets and soilders to their deaths in Iraq and Afganistan.
Absolutely! This time we have a real choice with Ron Paul. Restore the constitution and liberty. End the war. Stop spying on Americans. Save the economy by bringing the troops home and guard our borders, not Iraqs!
Jack, being an African American voter in this years Presidential election has me pumped up like never before. I have been voting for the past twenty years, and this is the first time i've been this excited. However the dicision on who to vote for is troubling. I trulely like Hilory regardless of what that B.E.T. guy said about Obama. I like Obama because he is a breath of fresh air.I hope people will look at both candidates as people not just race or gender. Jack I am proud to be black and I am proud that the people in Iowa recognized that people are people, and if you can do the job your hired. Lastly if Hilory wins the nomination she got my vote.
Robert ,
Sandusky, Ohio
A resounding yes! I don't know if it's excitement or desperation, but I am working as hard as I can to ensure that we get the criminals out of the White House and bring in a President who is honorable, committed to his ideals, and has clear and constructive goals for the future, not just platitudes. I am excited that John Edwards can be our next President!
(Note – name pronounced "alicia")
I would classify my feelings as vehement enthusiasm. Anger rules my passion for this election. Anybody thinking the answers lie with the Clinton-Giuliani race
or the Obama-Romney track meet must have failed or opted out of history during their education. These are nurtured, bred and manufactured candidates for the elite rulers of the world. Sold as DEMS or GOP, makes no difference. Should the numbers start turning towards an outsider like Ron Paul, Mike Gravel or John Edwards who would dismantle their money belt strangle hold on this country and most of the world, they will play their ace in hole. Bloomberg. And by the way. I am also vehemently enthusiastic about the likely voter fraud we'll see as well.
Do I care about the elections NO. I wish it was November and everything was over. There is just too much negatives with all the candidates. Knocking Clinton who I'm not for for as a racist is crazy because the Clintons were always supportive of the African American community. I don't intend to vote in the general election if either her or Obama gets in as a Democrat candidate and not being Republican I can't vote for their candidate either. Mary
In the beginning I was upbeat about the upcoming election. However, the more the campaigning goes on the more I hear the same old stuff and empty promises from the Republicans and radical "hope and change" rhetoric from the Democrats. Except for Mitt Romney, who makes a new set of promises each time he campaigns in a different state, and Fred Thompson, who seems to be Bush II, everyone is going to bring change from the current Bush policies if they are elected and we all know that. I quit listening to Republican debates; they put me to sleep. I listen to the Democrats talk about undifferentiated change and it scares the heck out of me. Change to what and how are you going to do it? We’d really like to know. We don't want to be banging back and forth between the radical right and the radical left. The country can't stand that any longer. We need someone who is close to center and can offer solutions to the problems Bush created, who can create bipartisan cooperation in Congress and who can bring healing to the country. Of all the candidates running for President, I honestly don't see anyone like that. I guess the closest to that would be McCain on the right and Clinton on the left. Not much of a choice is it?
Don't count out John Edwards, as the press has done lately.
He has tremendous grassroots support among people who are voting for a promise for all the hard working people in this country: for health care reform, for a sound environmental and economic policy, for withdrawal from Iraq and for the real ability to negotiate with world leaders across the globe.
The American public would be fooish to vote for Hillary just because she's a woman, or Obama, just because he's an African American.
These 2 candidates represent voting between the lessor of 2 evils.
John is the real deal.
Jack , I was enthusiactic about our last 2 elections... I knew that we(our america) could not endure another Bush. Fact has it, are reeping Bush's rath. I don't want another like him elected. The nation can't handle it anymore.
Jack,
I was very excited at first. Many new candidates. I listened to how each one (from both parties) would tackle the critical issues this country is facing.
But then along the way :
- Some Republicans skipped a debate;
- Negative ads as usual;
- ABC and Fox denied candidates from a debate ( of course,each party could have withdrawn to show this country their party unity)
- The media (and staffers) cause unnecessary harm to campaigns
- NBC denied a candidate from a debate
Can you blame me if I do not vote (the first time in my life) in either my state's primary or the national election?
- Oh, South Carolina Black Caucus and CNN deny candidates from a debate on Martin Luther King Jr. day?
Yes, I'm more enthusiastic about this year's presidential election. For the first
time in the 41 years that I have been old enough to vote, there is a candidate
for whom I really want to vote. A person who I think is not only qualified, but
would make an excellent president. It has always been my wish, that just
once before I die, there would be a candidate that I really wanted to vote for.
Not just the lesser of two evils. John McCain is that man.
Carol L.
Toledo, OH
Its not that we are more enthusiastic its that we have realized what happens when we let the retirees take the lion's share of the vote. The problem is that even though everyone cares this time we still only got the bottom of the barrel thanks to the MSM blocking everyone who does not already have high name recognition.
Absolutely!!!! After 8 years of oppression from the Bush Empire it would be nice to have a president that cares, and doesn't want to tick off every country in the world. A president that wants to see americans prosper rather than line his own pockets, but most importantly a president that isn't a huge embarrassment on the world stage. With Bush as president when you speak to somebody from another country you have to preface your statements with "not all americans are stupid"
Don't you want Americans reved up about the election? The process of democracy should be allowed to work not truncated by a compresses primary schedule and a frenzied Press.
After eight years of a Bush Administration, Americans should be reved up about the election–Iraq, mortage crisis, recession, lost of diplomacy, lack of job creation and more.
Absolutely, I'm more fired up than ever before. I can actually vote for a candidate that has integrity, speaks truth, knows economics, has real solutions, and would make the founding fathers proud., My man Ron Paul.
Jack:
The South's use of the Confederate Flag does matter. I remember walking behind MLK's casket past the State House in Atlanta and was appalled that the State had bent the US Flag Pole so our National Flag hung lower than the Georgia Flag. These symbolic things mean an awful lot in the South and to the Christian Conservatives. It is racism alive and well.
It is hard to get enthusiastic about a bunch of cronies that probablly won't get back to are constitutional rights (besides Ron Paul)! My union even says we should support Edwards (lol) suppose Clinton gets in we will be standing in lines to give up are second amendment.
As a black American living in Des Moines IA. I will tell you this, If Hillary Clinton wins the Democratic nomination I will vote for the republican she runs aganist! It's time to give the Republicans another chance Black America.
Jack,
I believe Black Americans need ask themselves Why? Why would you vote for another Clinton? Why be so loyal to the democratic party? What has the party done for you black America? What has the Congretional Black Caucus done for black america? The Clintons are playing Black Americans like a used saxophone
Hillary and Bill know all the right buttons to make you respond insync. So all you folk in South Carolina "don't feel no-ways tired" get on out there and vote for Mrs. Clinton... I mean ma'ssa Bills wife.