WOW... river, what have you started?
There are so many points and arguments thrown around I don't even know where to start in my reply. I do like the fact that the discussion has been very civil so far, even with a topic as volatile as politics. I don't think I can or want to address everything posted in the past 2-3 pages, but here are just some of my views, and they are as that, my own.
- Clinton vs Obama: I'm leaning Clinton right now, *only* because I don't think Obama knows how complex the government is to run. Obama is much more inspiring and has fresh ideas, but as many people who get elected into leadership know (especially for US government), everything gets compromised and takes a lot more work to move through than just have ideals. Bush somehow maintained his beliefs quite well (thanks to a very loyal Republican congress for most of his tenure), but I'm worried Obama is too idealistic for the position. Like someone said, in 4 years or 8 years, he'll be a GREAT presidential candidate, and I will vote for him if he gets the Democratic nomination in the end. But for now, Clinton instills more confidence for me, partially because Bill Clinton will be back in the White House as "First Gentleman" (or whatever you call it). That's gotta help to have an advisor who *used to be* the president.
- Romney vs McCain: While I understand the pragmatism needed for being a politician, Romney's "flip-flops" from when he was MA governor just bothers me too much, especially turning his back on all the human rights issues (abortion, gay rights) he supported while being governor. McCain is likeable, though I disagree with him on the Iraq war issue and his anti-abortion stance. Do we really need another president who forces health clinics to pass out "Abstinence Only" pamphlets? If you haven't seen one, you gotta go pick one up. It's so ridiculous that it's shameful. I have one on my fridge just because of how absurd it is.
- Democrats vs Republicans: In the end, I'm probably a Liberatarian. Socially liberal, fiscally more conservative. Republicans were supposed to represent small government, responsible spending, etc... But they've been hijacked by the religious right and fundamentalists. Democrats aren't much better fiscally, but at the current rate, if both parties are spending like crazy, I'd rather vote the socially more liberal one.
- Education: This will impact me quite a bit if I go to Haas. It's something I've been lamenting for a while now, since I grew up on a mostly public school education. I'm not focusing as much in the K-12, even though I know they're important, but I'm focused mainly on the public university system. The fact that the UC System's professional schools (medical, law, business) broke away from the public school tuition charges shows that they are NOT getting the funding they need to retain good professors, improve facilities, give out scholarships, etc.. to compete with the private schools. It's a miracle that Michigan and Berkeley are still two of the top universities in the country (and world), fighting against the likes of the Harvards, Stanfords, Yales, and Princetons. If this doesn't get fixed soon, the only people who can get good university education will be those who can afford (or place high enough in the application process) the private schools. It would be sad when that day happens.
- Foreign Policy: I think any president that can make better speeches and have more respect for other countries in the world will improve the US image immensely. That means, *any* of the current candidates will do.
I probably forgot a bunch of stuff, but that's my stance on the major issues. For me, the dream lineup would be Clinton-Obama for Prez-VP. That would be nirvana...