Re: U.S. Presidential Primary Watch 2008
If you see this as a contest between the two parties it is a mistake. American presidency has always been defined by the individual. That is why you see so many many presidencies where the party and the president beome disconnected and even opposite as the presidency progresses in time.
Hence I look at the individual and give no credence to party. As individuals McCain, Romney and Obama (in that order) seem (emphasize seem) honest and clear headed. Ron Paul actually made a lot of sense but his crack pot side makes him ineligible.
Also I am surprised that Pakistanis here seem against McCain - he was the only one who consistently spoke against torture and for respect.
Ali / Teggy: how come?
I suppose you could say it's just that he's from the same think camp as Bush. While yes, he has disagreed with Bush on several front, however, he did make the booboo of singing 'bomb bomb bomb iran' and that's worrysome. Because if that's the first thing on his mind, then who's next? Iran is right next door, it would affect both India and Pakistan alike.
Bush too says he respects Muslims and often reiterates that Islam is indeed the religion of peace but his actions unfortunately don't match his words at times. He plays the conservative card of honesty, family values, tradition, etc. Under his administration, there have been so many things that have gone wrong. From the unlawful wiretapping, to a congressman who was rather of the homosexual orientation with the interns, to Scooter Libby's lying and Cheney using his should to shoot the gun and defame a CIA agent and her husband because they spoke against the administration and wanted to demolish the pathetic excuse for going to war in Iraq, lying about WMD's just to go war in Iraq. So on and so forth.......
Besides i'm not for either. Both are political parties, both motivated by political gains/losses. It's the track-record of the party and thought/action process of each party that i'm looking at. You're absolutely correct each candidate may/may not be the same as rest. But he has to adhere to the party lines, he has to please those who he associates with (Republican/Democrats) in this case.
It's a known fact that democrats are usually and mostly for the public and economic growth and foreign policy that ensures gain inside and outside, while republicans are more likely to be on the offensive, and wasteful of resources.