Issues should drive voters

By The Daily Progress

Published: October 9, 2008

Focus on policies and principles, not just experience or distractions like race.

I think all voters should agree that both of the candidates for the presidency are qualified to do the job. Both have demonstrated the leadership skills and competencies to serve as president, and both have a bevy of experienced advisors who will fill vital roles at the top levels of the executive branch to ensure that the job gets done.

The real question that should resolve how one votes is: “Do I like Barack Obama’s policies and governing principles or do I like John McCain’s?”

The two candidates have legitimate differences on the issues, such as how to deal with Iraq, the economy, or our dependence on foreign oil, just to name a few.

Voters should focus on learning what those differences are, identifying their own views and priorities, and then vote accordingly, period.

All of this nonsense about race or misinformation about candidates’ positions should be set to the side, at least by intelligent voters.

Only by voting based on which candidate’s policies are more likely to take our country in the right direction will we choose the leader that will serve the best interests of our nation and its citizens.

Benjamin Spencer
Louisa County