Are you going to vote in the November 2008 election no matter who wins the Republican primary?

[cradle of freedom]

I would like to know if you are going to vote in the November 2008 election even if your candidate does not win. Will you stay home if you don't like the Republican candidate?

Another thing that I have often wondered about is whether people actually stay home when they are disheartened. News commentators often say that some voters may have decided to stay home because they were not happy with the candidates. I think that is a mistake because even if you do not like the person at the top of the ticket you should at least vote for the other candidates. Have you every actually stayed home and not gone to the polls at all because you were not happy with a candidate?

[fightinJAG]

Yeah, we have LOTS that needs to be changed. But my point is that we can’t change in ON Election Day. And that’s not what Election Day is about.

It’s a hiring action-—for a very important job that has an immediate opening.

The other stuff is a work in progress and always will be.

[roamer_1]

Tell me: how do you think Iraq would be handled in a Rat administration compared to a Republican administration?

In all honesty, that depends upon the candidates involved in the general and the circumstance at the time.

To speculate on Hillary vs. Giuliani, Romney, or Huckabee, I really see very little difference, providing the outlook is as it is today. None are experienced in military matters in the least, with the possible exception of Hillary, oddly enough.

None of the candidates impress me in the least as CiC, none except Duncan Hunter, whom I would trust implicitly- His record of long military service is obvious.

[fightinJAG]

I know who evangelicals are (being one myself) and I know who the MSM considers the MSC v. the Christian Right. But my info comes from Barna and I think Focus put out some stuff on it, too.

I may be recalling it inaccurately, but it was indeed a HUGE number of self-proclaimed “evangelicals” who voted for Bubba and essentially (along with the Perot voters) elected him.

My point is don’t be too quick to assume how “evangelicals” will vote.

As for trying to change people’s minds, that’s not my goal at all. My only purpose in this discussion is setting out the counterpoints to those who say they will stay home or vote third party so that those who haven’t made up their mind yet have, to some extent at least, both sides of the issue to consider.

[MamaB]

If he had used all capitals, then that would have been yelling. He was simply making a point which came across to those of us who like to read! It meant that that part of the sentence was more important than the rest and for us to pay more attention to that section. I did not find it rude at all. Of course, I have more important things to be concerned about such as losing 20 family members in 38 months including my daughter, brother, husband, mother, aunt and the rest were cousins.

[fightinJAG]

You are correct that we are taking two different approaches.

Yours is abstract, as in “support” and so on.

Mine is concrete, as in casting an actual vote that is counted a particular way.

That particular way is within a two-party system where the election is a zero-sum game. Every vote is a vote counted (even if not intended as such) as FOR one candidate and AGAINST the other. So this is where it’s my turn to say “it’s really as simple as that.”

I don’t look at a vote as “supporting” anyone or anything. Since one of the two candidates WILL be elected, then my vote can only have a “single method of action.” It can only help candidate A or candidate B and their respective parties.

You DO have the ability to allow or deny a given result in the election. It’s not about whether you “support” the candidate or the party. It’s about the result of the election, and your vote determines that.

[roamer_1]

I’m not going to get into a theological debate with you, unless you want to pursue it in private. But here’s the point:

You are certainly welcome. You might have guessed I dig that kind of thing.

It was “evil” to fail to keep the Sabbath holy by not following the rules. It was also “evil” to fail to help your animal (as an example) and thus, not only allow unnecessary suffering, but also fail to exercise good stewardship and possibly become unable to provide for one’s family.

Your position assumes the Pharisaical view to be correct in some part, but that aside, I do not see how preserving the life of one's ox compares to endorsing the murder of babies, adultery, and homosexuality.

"Get real", indeed.

One is “choosing evil.” One is choosing to stop a greater evil by doing a lesser one.

Agreed. One is choosing evil, the other is doing evil. Evil is evil, and one should choose to participate else-wise. Especially when involving the murder of babies.

[fightinJAG]

Even if you’re correct that none of the candidates demonstrate particular assets as Commander in Chief, wouldn’t you rather have the Republican Party, via a Republican administration, handling the war rather than the Rat Hate-The-Military Crowd?

Doesn’t it seem probable that the election of a Rat-—any Rat-—would embolden the anti-war / anti-military faction in this country-—*as well as our enemies abroad*-—even more so than they are today?

Would it be likely that moveon.org etc. etc. etc. would have a greater entree into a Rat administration than a Republican administration?

[fightinJAG]

I am very sorry for your loss. God bless you.

[quadrant]

I”m a cracked glass Republican; that is, I’ll crawl over cracked glass - to vote Republican.

[roamer_1]

Since one of the two candidates WILL be elected, then my vote can only have a “single method of action.” It can only help candidate A or candidate B and their respective parties.

Incorrect. A third-party or write-in vote is a registered vote that is essentially neutral between the two major candidates, and functions quite well as a vote of dissent. That is my intention if there is no Conservative candidate, as it is the only way my vote of dissent will be registered, noted and tallied.

You DO have the ability to allow or deny a given result in the election. It’s not about whether you “support” the candidate or the party. It’s about the result of the election, and your vote determines that.

Don't be silly. It has every bit to do with whether I will support a candidate or a party. It would be an absurdity to suppose that I should vote for that which I abhor and and detest. I won't do it, and neither will my kind. You may as well beg me to vote Democrat.

[BillyBoy]

>> I thought Huckabee was a friend of the Freeper’s. He came and played for the Freeper’s when everyone was in Washington for Bush’s first Inauguration I think I remember that everyone thought he was a really good guy at that time and a lot of fun. Maybe my memory is wrong. <<

Your memory is correct. Huckabee was very popular with FR at the time he was in office and was twice the guest of honor at the FR inagural ball. He was nicknamed "the Freeper governor" and particularly applauded for going after Kerry on gun rights and for coming up with the name "tax me more fund" to make fun of liberals constantly saying the rich aren't taxed enough.

The history revistionists here vowing to let Hillary win if "RINO" Huckabee gets the nod would have you believe Huckabee was an evil socialist in office, in much the same way the RATs will try to convince you Bush "lied" about WMDs and made it all up on his own, despite the historical facts showing every Dem agreed Saddam had WMDs long before Bush ever became President.

In both cases, they can try and rewrite history all they want, a simply search engine about what was said AT THE TIME it occured will refute their lies.

================================================

How freepers felt about "liberal" Mike Huckabee back when he was actually IN office:

Governor Mike Huckabee (left) and the Capitol Offense Band, hosts of the The FreeRepublic.com Inaugural Ball, a rousing success for 61 million Americans in 2005.

Arkansas - Freeper Governor Mike Huckabee reelected

Freeper Governor Huckabee (R-Arkansas) wins Arkansas Republican primary 85%+

Freeper Governor Huckabee's "Tax Me More Fund" tops $1,000 with $200 donation

Gov. Huckabee's thank you letter to Free Republic
===================================================================

Once Again, a Little Rock From Arkansas [Gov Huckabee and the FR Inaugural Ball]
Washington Post ^ | Sunday, January 16, 2005 | Richard Leiby
Posted on 01/17/2005 4:10:05 PM CST by Jim Robinson
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/13226841322684/posts

He’s a Preacher! He’s From Hope! (Gov. Huckabee, Free Republic W2 Inaugural Ball article)
Washingtonian Online - Capital Comment ^ | January 2005 | SUZI PARKER
Posted on 01/02/2005 9:02:42 PM CST by tgslTakoma
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/13127031322684/posts

ANNOUNCING THE FREE REPUBLIC W2 INAUGURAL BALL, FEATURING GOV HUCKABEE AND CAPITOL OFFENSE
Free Republic W2 Inaugural Ball ^
Posted on 01/18/2005 1:18:17 PM CST by Jim Robinson. [history]
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/12922461322684/posts

Freeper Governor Huckabee's "Tax Me More Fund" tops $1,000 with $200 donation
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette ^ | 5JAN 01 | BILL SIMMONS
Posted on 01/05/2002 1:06:07 PM CST by DCBryan1
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/6023051322684/posts

Arkansas - Freeper Governor Mike Huckabee reelected
Associated Press | November 5, 2002
Posted on 11/06/2002 12:29:32 AM CST by HAL9000
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/7833091322684/posts

Freeper Gov. Huckabee (R-Arkansas) wins Arkansas Republican primary 85% +
www.kark.com ^ | 21 MAY 02 | DCBryan1
Posted on 05/21/2002 10:41:42 PM CDT by DCBryan1
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/6873641322684/posts

FR Inaugural Ball Pictures for ***Governor Huckabee***
Source: Self (with nudging from CAL)
Posted on 01/28/2001 21:04:24 PST by Gracey
http://www.freerepublic.com/forum/a3a74f9d80c0e.htm

Huckabee's Knees Need Surgeries After Freeper Inaugural Ball
INAUGURAL BALL, DANCING
Source: Donrey News
Posted on 01/22/2001 23:52:23 PST by HAL9000
http://www.freerepublic.com/forum/a3a6d38370b7d.htm

FREEPER INAUGURAL BALL MESSAGE TO FREEPERS FROM ***GOVERNOR MIKE HUCKABEE***
Source: e-mail
Published: 1/22/01 Author: Governor Mike Huckabee
Posted on 01/22/2001 18:32:01 PST by Clinton's a liar
http://www.freerepublic.com/forum/a3a6ced21441d.htm

Arkansas Gov. Huckabee’s ‘Tax Me More Fund’ Spreads
News Max ^ | Jan. 23, 2002 | Dave Eberhart
Posted on 01/22/2002 9:19:46 PM CST by concerned about politics
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/6137661322684/posts

Freeper Governor Mike Huckabee on the 'Tax Me More' Fund
Governor's Electronic Message System (GEMS) ^ | December 4, 2001 | Governor Mike Huckabee -- Arkansas
Posted on 12/04/2001 12:19:43 PM CST by Sloth

Governor Huckabee Criticizes Kerry at Gun Shooting Range
KATV ^ | July 21, 2004
Posted on 07/21/2004 8:52:38 PM CDT by Lazarus Longer

Governor Huckabee Signs Abortion "Womans Right to Know" Bill
Posted on 02/24/2001 08:13:05 PST by AppyPappy

Governor Huckabee Signs 'Choose Life' Plate Into Law
TBO.com ^
Posted on 03/10/2003 6:57:42 PM CST by Sub-Driver

Freeper Gov Huckabee signs abortion consent into law
Associated Press | February 3, 2005 | CARYN ROUSSEAU
Posted on 03/03/2005 11:54:30 PM CST by HAL9000

Huckabee Supports Gay Marriage Ban
Times Record ^ | 2-27-04 | David Robinson
Posted on 02/27/2004 12:02:36 PM CST by Indy Pendance

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/5835691322684/posts

Gov. Huckabee's thank you letter to Free Republic
Source: Personal letter from Governor Huckabee
Posted on 02/28/2001 07:05:41 PST by Taxman
http://www.freerepublic.com/forum/a3a9d13c55b87

This was 2005, the Huckster had already been Governor of Arkansas for NINE YEARS at the time.

At the time, Huckabee was called "the freeper governor" and hailed as a conservative hero on this forum for mocking the liberals "tax the rich" policies by naming the "tax me more" in Arkansas. Huckabee was personally invited TWICE by the owner of this very forum to serve our as special guest of honor at the presidential inauguration, and received an outpouring of allocates and standing ovations from freepers. Imagine how members would have reacted if a real "RINO governor" showed up at our event like Christie Todd Whitman or Arnold Schwarzenegger , let alone the outrage from the rank and file members of this forum if the owner of the website personally invited them as the keynote "attraction".

The freepers trashing Huckabee as an evil RINO are trying to rewrite history worse than Michael Moore's fictional film about the NRA.

Amazing how NOBODY on this forum pointed out what an awful, evil, RINO, nanny-state, illegal alien loving, Clintonite governor he was when the guy was actually IN office, eh? You'd think with such a horrid RINOish record, JimRob wouldn't want him anywhere near our event.

===============================================

[roamer_1]

wouldn’t you rather have the Republican Party, via a Republican administration, handling the war rather than the Rat Hate-The-Military Crowd?

No, not with RINOs in charge. They betray the very principles I hold dear. Betrayal is worse than opposition. I give them no trust or value, perhaps even less than the opposition if that were possible.

[ozzymandus]

Don’t talk to me like a teacher conducting an oral exam. If you don’t think their party affiliation makes a huge difference, I couldn’t “explain” it to you, anyway.

[Hunterite]

Of course I will still vote. I still got Republican Congressmen to vote for, and Sheriff Joe Apraijo (eat your hearts out, I voted for him twice).

If any RINO’s win the primaries, including McCain, I will either write-in or vote Constitution Party.

This time I will try to make a more serious effort. Last time, I voted for Adolph Hitler, Ghengis Khan, Karl Marx, Adam Smith, Einstein and Neils Bohr (not in any particular order).

Like I said, you can’t scare me with Hillary, so don’t even fricking try.

[BamaAndy]

Absolutely. I will vote straight GOP in the hope of warding off the quicker path to socialism.

[Smokin' Joe]

I will vote, but not for a pro abortion, anti-gun, pro 'gay rights', candidate who is soft on illegal immigration and border policy--whoever they are.

Let the chips fall where they may.

It makes little sense to shed the blood of our troops defending our country overseas while we (collectively, as a nation) piss it away here at home.

[Redcloak]

Sure I’ll vote for a Republican candidate.

...if the Party actually nominates one.

[Hunterite]

Unfortunately, like a drug user, America has to hit rock bottom before voters stop being afraid to vote for who they really want.

[MaxMax]

People seem to have this selfish need to be "inspired" these days to vote.
I don't buy it, it's called lazy in my book..

Maybe it's part of the "ME" society born from the 60's. Bah.

I'll vote no matter what.

And to those of the 2006 election who didn't vote, STFU!

[moehoward]

“If Rudy wins the nomination, I will not just stay home. I will vote AGAINST him.”

Good for you. Many of us thought we were voting for the lesser of evils last time. If it’s Rooty or Shrillery, there is no lesser.