Jan

2

Primary Observations

Posted by cameron

January 2, 2008 |

It is interesting how opinion polls have ebbed and flowed at the last minute in Iowa. Hillary has been the long time leader in all polls for the Democratic Party and yet here we are on the cusp of the vote where she now appears to be an underdog. Barak Obama appears to have taken a recent lead as fence sitters move left or right at the last moment. Also, John Edwards is making a case to be included among those two as a frontrunner. This is a time for momentum building in which National Polls are likely to move in synch with state polls over the next few weeks. Even more interesting is the split in Republican polls where Rudy is a national leader but appears to be nowhere in Iowa. I’m not sure what to make of that other than it is always different when the polls are actually upon us. In the past I have changed my mind when standing in the polling booth with chad-puncher poised. That is the moment of truth when interest in issue positions, past voting records and personal preference all come together with my beliefs to push me in this direction or that. I expect there are many who are still on that fence and will not get off until Thursday, polling day.

Clearly America wants a change of direction; every poll agrees. The Democrats smell blood in the water and believe they can take the White House. They may be right but it is still unclear who will be best for America and not for special interests. It is far from clear to me that having a government without special interests is even possible. At its core, I believe that last sentence is at the heart of America’s angst with politicians. If ever there was a time for a third party this would be it. America is disillusioned with the current system/parties which is the first requirement for change. Rumors persist about Michael Bloomberg running as an independent, despite his denials. In the U.K. there is a third party, which grew out of the same kind of period in U.K. history. The “Liberal Party” has never made any real headway and never seems to get enough parliamentary members to even become a swing vote of any significance. The difference here is that the President is voted for whereas in the U.K. the Prime Minister is the leader of the party with the most members. An independent President can be voted into office and potentially make a difference. That is an intriguing possibility. Whether he could get anything done is another matter.


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  1. 2008 Presidential Election » Primary Observations on January 2, 2008 8:54 am

    [...] Empty Nest added an interesting post on Primary ObservationsHere’s a small excerpt [...]

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