Are we as American voters looking for some "pie in the sky" candidate?

[journalist3072]

I've been wondering a lot lately: are we as American voters looking for some "pie in the sky" candidate? That is to say, someone who we think we will agree with on all the issues; the candidate who we think will just wave a magic wand and instantly make everything better?

For example, on C-span today there was talk of the "values voters" conference being held, and there was mention that many on the so-called religious right are skeptical of Mitt Romney because he's only been anti-abortion for about 4 years. In other words, he hasn't been anti-abortion all his life, so that's not good enough for them.

I think you also see that on the left as well (i.e. with all the criticism of the DLC and candidates who are not left-of-center enough).

For me personally, I know that I will never agree with ANY politician on every single issue. And I think that if anyone finds themself agreeing with a politician on every single issue, that's a problem, because it means the person more than likely is not thinking for themselves. So for me, politics comes down to one important thing: what are the most important issues to me? What are those issues that are non-negotiable..where I absolutely could not support a candidate who didn't share my values on that issue?

And what are those issues that I could probably support a candidate who didn't share my views 100%; maybe we disagreed on some specifics of a particular issue, but I could live with that, and still support that candidate.

So I guess what I'd like to know from DUers tonight: Are you looking for that pie in the sky; a candidate who you think you will agree 100% with? Or are you more realistic, and just looking for someone who shares your overall basic values, but you may still have some disagreements over specifics?

[angrycarpenter]

1. washinton corrupts nearly all

and destroys the rest. Just someone who doesn't lie so much is the best anyone can hope for.

[peace13]

2. This country is desperate for a president who will

protect the constitution, a concept that used to be pretty much a given. You tell me if that is too much to ask for.

[journalist3072]

7. Absolutely not too much to ask for. And while we're at it, can we find a Congress that will protect

the Constitution as well? Because as far as I'm concerned, they're no better nowadays.

[jpgray]

3. The only candidate I would completely agree with would be my own self

Even Dennis voted for the flag amendment--there are impurities in any serious pol's record.

[journalist3072]

10. So now my question for you is....

Does the fact that he voted for the flag amendment rule out you voting for him? Or do you say "Ok, I don't agree w/ him on this issue, but on the major issues of the day, we agree...."

Is the flag amendment a non-negotiable issue for you?

This is what I'm trying to find out from DUers tonight.

For example, for me, DC voting rights is a non-negotiable issue. I cannot cast a vote for anyone who doesn't know or understanding the importance of giving DC residents representation in the U.S. Congress.

[jpgray]

11. Of -course- I still support him. I'll support the Dem nominee in '08 as well

Who I will doubtless agree with even less. But defeating the GOP is absolutely necessary right now.

[ileus]

4. We already have her...why bother to keep looking.

[JMDEM]

5. Make mine cherry, please. nt

[Individualist]

6. I'm voting for the candidate who is anti-war, anti-DLC and pro-impeachment

[DURHAM D]

9. You want a pro-impeachment Presidential candidate?

Why?

[scarletwoman]

8. I'm looking to overthrow the MIC altogether -- therefore, I have absolutely NO expectation that any

candidate will represent my deepest held convictions.

Ergo, I don't much give a shit.

sw