Who do you want to win the 2012 US Election?

[CaptainAwesome]

That sort of pessimism is exactly why you cannot change a thing by voting. Because you don't. If everyone believed that, then the institution truly would control our nation's election process.

A) Our nation is much more informed about world and domestic events currently than ever before in history. Referring to the American people as "uninformed" based on a few televised stereotypes is irrational in and of itself. American voters receive enough information to currently cast an educated vote. Those who don't dabble in politics won't vote and don't because it doesn't matter to them.

B) Despite the fact that an election is not decided by one vote, your vote still counts. A majority opinion requires that majority to express its opinion; otherwise, the vocal minority becomes the domineering group. That's how our system works.

C) The Electoral College functions as such:

1. Each state receives a certain number of electoral votes based on the total number of Senators and Representatives that state holds in Congress. Also, Washington, DC has the same number of electoral votes as the state with the fewest, which is currently three.
2. Citizens of each state cast their vote for a presidential candidate. This process is actually casting votes for electors who, in the college, will cast their vote for that candidate.
3. While it is possible for these electors to change their stated preference of candidate at the time of the electoral college, it does not happen frequently. Also, many states have passed laws that require electors to cast their electoral votes for the candidate that receives a majority of the votes.
4. Most states function on a plurality or "winner takes all" system for electoral votes, meaning the candidate who receives the most votes, even if it's not a majority, will receive all the electoral votes. I believe the two states which do not function by plurality are Kansas and Maine; they will divide the electoral votes amongst candidates if there is not a clear majority. The plurality system, as well as the electoral college as a whole, are two of the reasons why it is possible for a candidate to win the electoral college while not holding a majority of the popular vote.
5. One of the reasons an electoral college system is favorable is because the lack thereof would make the political scene of a presidential election more like that of a nation like France. A popular vote election requires a majority, and if no majority is found, then run-off elections would have to take place, which make the election process a lengthy - and costly - affair. The American people would grow tired of election season, and only the devoted (also known as extreme) voters would continue to cast their votes.

What I'm trying to say is that the electoral college, despite what you think, is actually a favorable system. And even if you don't believe that, protesting it by not voting is only worsening your situation. Your vote goes toward a sum total, just as a single rain drop goes toward your city's rainfall total. Looked upon individually, it looks insignificant; seen as part of a whole, it holds weight. It's naive to believe that your vote doesn't count.

The two-party system is what allows our governmental system to function as the Founding Fathers intended. The deliberation of both sides allows compromise to dictate the majority of laws in our nation, unlike the UK's situation where the majority party can instantly put in place any measure it desires so long as the majority coalition stands. Both systems work well, and neither system works better than the other in the long run.

Lobbying, while despicable on its face, is a critical part of our lawmaking process. Nobody likes the fact that politicians accept donations from PACs and individuals. However, if you did any research into campaign finance law, you would find that the maximum donation that a candidate can receive from any group or individual is $5,000 or less, depending on the type of group. As part of a whole campaign, this sum is very small, and prevents candidates from being bought out by any one group - or any number of groups, for that matter. Plus, lobbying is a means for politicians to receive critical information about potential bills and laws that they would otherwise be unaware of. Lobbying is primarily presenting information to politicians about political issues. Donations, while important, do not hold a candle to this primary function.

Capitalism has done much better than Socialism; one needs to only observe the fall of Soviet Russia within decades. Heck, even China's leaders know that the nation cannot continue growth as a Socialist state. They are currently experiencing hyper-inflation because Socialism cannot handle their increase.

As a student of political science who knows how our government works, I am saddened for your opinion that your vote doesn't count. That simply is not true, and not even attempting to vote only proves your point; your vote cannot change anything if it isn't cast.

[Danielfang7]

I would say the only logical choice is still Obama. and I don't really know about the other candidates as much.

[bigrand1]

The Republicans wouldn't know what to do if they had the power to make decisions for our country and our people as they can't even agree with anything within their own party. All they've shown in solidarity is saying 'no' to everything! None of 'em has a plan, the only plan is to get power. Then ruin everything we've worked for and make a Third World country out of us where you have the white super-rich minority and the rest in poverty, like so many other countries like China, India, North Korea, etc. That's where the Reps. and lousy Tea Bags wanna go. And here, where we have a country made up of many races and religions, these idiots think we should all be bible-thumping Jesus- loving Christians! The idealism reminds me of what Hitler wanted to create. One race, one set of idealisms and morals. Forget it if you're hispanic or black or whatever. Good luck if you're gay or need an abortion then! They're not too flexible on these things! They actually say on public TV today the next president must have those Christian and family values! What about everyone else? Kinda guess where they want you on the totem pole? The best thing about these idiot candidates is when they open their mouth, they stick their own foot in it! We've seen it eliminate every one of 'em so far. It's like free comedy. In the end, NONE are qualified to run this country for lots of reasons. One Bozo after another 'til you come up with one, who'll probably be Mitt Romney, and then he won't stand a chance against Obama! Short story long, it should be four more years with Obama, the most intelligent guy there who wants to keep our country great, preserve the middle class, get us out of wars we didn't even belong in, get us to work, and preserve the American Dream without lowering Medi-care, Medi-cal, cutting Social Security, and raising the age in which you are able to collect it. This is a very important time for us, and I'd say everyone should definitely have your voice heard-with your vote next Nov. People who say it doesn't matter and don't vote have no right to complain about the results. Simply think of what's best for you and your family now and down the line as well when you vote and do so accordingly.

[Booch138]

I vote for Vermin Supreme.

[1337brian]

The problem with politics is no matter what side of the fence you're on you'll always think your 100% right in your beliefs and those on the other side must be brain dead morons to not see your political beliefs. With that being said it's all smoke and mirrors anyways, vote left or right the end outcome will be the same in the long run.

I just want a president who will follow the only instruction manual there is, and that's the US constitution. I want someone that will end our unconstitutional wars and occupations and repeal the patriot act as well as NDAA. With that in mind I can only think of one candidate I would vote for based on that criteria.

[HelperMonkey]

Conservatives hate liberals because they think that liberals think they're stupid.

Liberals hate conservatives because they think that they're stupid.

[Booch138]

Originally Posted by HelperMonkey

Conservatives hate liberals because they think that liberals think they're stupid.

Liberals hate conservatives because they think that they're stupid.

Thank you, HelperMonkey, you have given me a new signature. hahahahaha

[slewis7]

I like Jon Huntsman a lot and I am aware his chances are minuscule. I want a change in direction and with my being a fiscal conservative and a social liberal, Huntsman is the best fit of the major candidates. Plus the guy has a very interesting background. You can read his Wikipedia entry to get small glimpse of it.

My hope is that maybe someone in South Carolina will read this and change his or her primary vote.

[backtothis]

Not even close..as predicted by every major poll out there. Four more years.

[MidianGTX]

I want to make a comment about common sense prevailing... but Romney still got a lot of votes.