What would make you switch parties?
 

What issue would make you vote for the other candidate?

For me I would move very quickly depending on Bush's support for anti-terrorism and his moves in the middle east. Additionally I find issues such as alternate fuel sources and lower spending to be second on that list to me but still important.

-Rudey

I dont know...........I'll have to think about that one......I was raised a republican, I'm a registered republican.....I intend to vote republican in this election.

I cant say I'll always vote republican, but I can say odds are slim to none with regards to me voting for a democrat. But that's just my opinion folks........one issue(being the environment) isnt enough for me to switch over.

I was the youngest delegate to the 19** Democratic National Convention. I was being groomed for a political office, and was in on a LOT of the "smoke-filled rooms" (which are actually trailers in this day & age). Anyhow, I wasn't naive, I knew what to expect - for the most part. I was surprised, however, that I was expected sign off on the Platform - which contained certain issues that I could not morally support.

I still worked for my candidate, and the White House, but once it was over, I got out of politics. The more I thought about some of the planks, the more I realized that I could NOT be a Democrat and be pro-life.

Unfortunately, I live in a state where being an Independent means not voting in the Primaries. So, I became a Republican - realizing, of course, that No Political Party Has A Monopoly On The Truth!

I'm still a Republican, more because I support the GOP's agenda more than that of the Democratic agenda (and the very thought of a First Lady who wasn't even born in the USA turns my stomach!!).

One of them would have to get a clue.

I think I'll just stay independent and vote for who I think will do the best job instead of the person with the right label.

She's a wife, she is not holding office. And even important cabinet level positions don't have a born in the USA requirement.

Unless you think it might send a message to American men that we are better off finding foreign born wives? That does seem to be an increasing and happy trend for men.

If George W. Bush or Rush Limbaugh ever switched to the Democratic party I know it would be time to leave it.

Gee, James, I am allowed an opinion, aren't I? And my opinion is that the First Lady of the United States should be born in the United States. I'm not expecting this to be a major expose or anything, it's just something that bothers me. And it bothered me when Sen. Heinz was eyeing the White House, too, so it's not a party thing.

You can have one or two opinions . . but seriously I am curious that why that would bother you. A wife is a non-entity really in the grand scheme of things. I could barely pick the wives out of a line-up when it comes to Presidents.

If you honestly believe that, you're a lot less political savvy than I was giving you credit for!

I would have to say if Republicans became pro-choice, pro-gun control, anti-death penalty, and anti-Laissez Faire economics, I might switch.

Are you talking about the phenomona of being "Half a PResident"?

I have to agree with honeychile about the wife being born in America as well as the President...........I cant explain it but it just bothers me or would bother me if a non-american born President and First Lady were in the White House..........I just have a problem with that sorry.....

Well, it's impossible for a non-american born President to be in the white house, anyway. I agree with that one. As far as the first lady, I feel like as long as she's a citizen and has been in the US for a considerable amount of time, it's fine. But I understand why you wouldn't want someone who wasn't American-born as first lady, too.

Is Kerry's wife non-American born?? Is that why this conversation came up? I know this is his second wife, but I didn't remember seeing anything about her being from another country.

Teresa Heinz Kerry was born in Africa, in Mozambique.

As I said before, I had the same problem when Sen. John Heinz was interested in the White House.

James, have you forgotten the much touted "Two for the price of one!" campaign?

I'm thinking of flirting with Honeychile so I can marry into a political dynasty.

-Rudey

Was she not born a citizen? I think the foreign born law applies to those as a non-citizen doesn't it?

IF Honeychile is born to her american Parents while oversease, Honeychile can still be president right?

I'm a democrat (I know, you're shocked!) but I voted for a republican candidate for Illinois governor once -- George Ryan instead of the democratic candidate Glen Poshard. I don't remember the exact reason, but I do recall thinking that Poshard was more conservative than Ryan, especially concerning gun control and abortion. Of course I think what George Ryan did with the death penalty was wonderful, so I'm happy I voted for him.

i know this is way off topic- but i heard soemthing about schwarzeneggar trying to change legislation so he could run/ become president... is this true?

No Arnold has no power to change something like that. Another politician introduced it an Arnold said he thinks he'd support it.

-Rudey

If Laura Bush was born in another country would some of you still have a problem of her being first lady?

LOL, it would be easy for people to say "Yes! I'd still have a problem!" since it's not the case.

If the Republicans ever became those things, I'd be a Democrat then, or if Hillary converted, I might leave.

I think that's right. As I recall, if you have at least one American parent, no matter where you're born, you are an Ameican citizen with all of the rights of any American.

I don't see the big deal about a First Lady who was born outside of the United States.

Boy, oh boy am I with you on that one!
(We WILL see Hillary...and sooner than we want. God help us.)

I might convert if the Dems quit supporting issues, that for me, are morally repugnant.

Honestly, if the Dems were more toward the center, I could easily change if I was unimpressed with the Republican candidate or the Republicans quit helping those that REALLY need help!

If her parents had been American, yes, she would enjoy dual citizenship. But since they weren't, she was born a citizen of Mozambique.

She is a naturalized American.

Yes. I'm not sure how many times I have to say this, but I have a problem with the FIRST LADY of the UNITED STATES not being born IN the United States.

You are free to call me narrow or inflexible about this, but that's how I feel. This was a HUGE thing in PA when John Heinz first ran for Senator (my parents were on his campaign), and it was a HUGE hurdle that only his being a Heinz was able to overcome!

You know honeychile, I never gave this much thought-never HAD to. But if I lean one way, I have to agree with you. I'm a bit of an isolationist...I'm damn PROUD to be American. I want my First Lady to be an American too!

The first lady represents all of us in matters that don't grab headlines everytime, but the role is as much or as little as "she" wants it to be. They don't come up with cliche's without reason and the "Power behind the throne" has to come from somewhere.
Many a corporate wife would support this statement.

I'll second all of that...

My dad was born in Lithuania but he is just as much of an American as you or I am.

I think honeychile is talking about naturalized Americans.

From what I take in your post you are talking about a person being an American citizen. Would you then be accepting of a first lady that was granted American citizenship?

I may be wrong concerning someone with dual citizenship:

US Constitution, Article II, Section 1:

"Clause 5:

No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States."

*****

I see no exceptions for dual citizenship. If I remember right, there is some question as to the propriety of the birth of one of the earlier Presidents (Jackson?) whose parents were born in Ireland, and whether he was born on the ship en route or here in the United States. It would have had to have been someone born after 1787, but definitely before Lincoln. Ack! I'm going to have to find this out!!

As far as what would make me switch, a total reversal of party platforms is the only thing that would make me change. That includes gun control, abortion issues, health care issues, economic issues, civil liberties issues, defense issues, etc.

I could not make a blanket statement about whether a First Lady would have to have been born in the US. My grandparents weren't born in the U.S. but they were more patriotic and dedicated to this country than many Americans. They cherished their right to vote and were Americans by choice.

I have a sorority sister whose husband was transferred to London for two years and two of their children were born there. They had to become naturalized citizens since they were born in the UK. It was very easy for them to attain citizenship, but they are not considered natural born citizens. The US doesn't recognize their UK citizenship anymore but the UK does, so if they don't make an Olympic team here, they can compete in the Olympics for the UK (if they made it and wanted to). I wouldn't say they are any less American because they were born in the U.K. Then again, our Governor is Canadian born and I voted for her! I can think of instances where it might sway my decision though. I would look at it on a case by case basis.

Dee

My mother is a dual citizen. She was born in the US, but her mother was born in Ireland. She is American and Irish. I could become an Irish citizen without giving up my American citizenship. It is only a matter of paperwork.

I still don't see the big deal about having a First Lady who is not born in the US. I think that it might happen soon.

I cannot predict where I will be in the future, but I really can't see myself switching parties.

Since people like hijacking my thread you'd think they'd at least give some thought as to why that rule is there? Is it to elect the person that acts "most American" and what is American? Stop acting like you know and stay on topic.

-Rudey

There is a requirement that all US Presidents must be US born. 5th grade history right there.

And how long has Mrs. Kerry lived in the US? Are we talkin' she was born in Africa because her father was in the army, or she is of African descent and moved over here 5 years ago? Big difference.

she was born and raised in Mozambique - but she sounds pretty damn impressive to me! I have no problem with a wife (or husband when we have a female president) being foreign born but otherwise a naturalized citizen.

info about Teresa
http://johnkerry.convio.com/site/Pag...show_wrapper=1

random facts about her:
- She speaks five languages and studied in Geneva to be an interpreter
- She became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1971, and joined the Republican Party
- she was married to Republican Sen. John Heinz of Pennsylvania before he died in a plane crash in 1991
- her and Kerry married in 1995 - she has 3 sons, he has 2 daughters (it's nearly the brady bunch ;))
- she took her husbands name (Kerry) only when he entered the presidential race (as did the wives of Bill Clinton & Howard Dean)
- she also switched parties (from republican to democrat) so she could vote for him
- she is chairman of The Heinz Endowments and the Heinz Family Philanthropies

I wonder if the people of Monaco had a problem with Grace Kelly becoming princess or if the people of Jordan had a problem with Queen Noor (she is an amazing woman)

damasa and other thinking this-
There's a world of difference between wanting and accepting.
Considering the politics of the past 16+ years, I guess I'd have to say I'd be accepting. Look at all I've "accepted" thus far.
So much for hypothetical...

Rudey-Since people like hijacking my thread you'd think they'd at least give some thought as to why that rule is there? Is it to elect the person that acts "most American" and what is American? Stop acting like you know and stay on topic.

Now, now Rudey that's a bit of the pot calling the kettle black!:)

Valkyrie- My dad was born in Lithuania but he is just as much of an American as you or I am. Actually, I had just read a post in another thread that got me going so my response bled into this one...Big no-no! Of course he is. Did not mean to offend.

We do not need a female President!:o

Hell, Nancy Reagan was the Power behind Ronnie! Still is!

Hillary was not aware and as smart as Bill, well smarter! DA!

Whats His Name with Whats Her Name Carter? What a corn pone! Oh, peanut man!

God, I am still pissed that god took one of our ribs and made woman, and we have been paying for it ever since!:( :D

Oh, just a rant!;)

Aint in for the Pound, aint in for the Ounce!:rolleyes:

Arnold is already turning things around in the Land of Fruits and Nuts, but his life line is Maria, Blood of the Kennedys!

Arrg me heartless Political Demigods, try to vote it you do for the Best Man!

One out of two a may not be the best, but what the hell, who do you vote for!?????

Ran for elections twice, thank god I lost!:D


Mary had a little Lamb, everywhere Mary went the Lamb was still sucking up to Her!:eek:

Right in the croutch is embaressing!:eek:


Oh, why switch Parties, when one tells me I have to vote a certain way and for a certain person!:mad:

No offense taken JAM!! :)