It's Happening: Is it Wrong? - Page 2 - U.S. Politics Online: A Political Discussion Forum

Eagle88 · #16 (**permalink**) 03-13-2008

Personally I don't think it is any worse than what some Democrats did in Republican elections. Consider, in New Hampshire, Democrats crossing party lines and voting in the Republican elections were some of the reason that McCain won the state. If it had just been Republicans then Mitt Romney would have been the winner 38% to 31%. In Michigan there was a liberal leaning website that urged Democrats to vote for Mitt Romney because, by their calculations, it would cause more fighting in the Republican party.

My basic opinion: If we don't want this to happen then we should consider making all primaries and caucuses closed.

jviehe · #17 (**permalink**) 03-13-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheLastBoyScout

An interesting scenario unfolded in this 2008 Election...

McCain is now the presumptive nominee while the Democrats are still slugging it out.

What this means is, for the rest of the states in play, the Republican primary/caucuses don't really mean anything. So it presents an interesting scenario that has not been lost on Republican voters:

Some Republican voters are seeking to influence the Democratic outcome by voting for Hillary (who they see as more beatable than Obama). I heard this strategy advocated on a right wing talk radio show this morning. Callers, many of them from Texas, admitted that since the Republican nomination has been locked up, they were going to be voting for Hillary on March 4th.

Very interesting. I don't know of any precedent for this. Do you think it can be effective? and Do you think it is wrong?

Yes, I think it is wrong for someone who is not a member of the Party, nor has any wish to be to vote in their elections. Nothing new though. Both parties have been doing it for many years. Primaries are private election to choose who will be a candidate under a specific label. There is no reason someone outside of the that party should be able to vote in that election.

jviehe · #18 (**permalink**) 03-13-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagle88

Personally I don't think it is any worse than what some Democrats did in Republican elections. Consider, in New Hampshire, Democrats crossing party lines and voting in the Republican elections were some of the reason that McCain won the state. If it had just been Republicans then Mitt Romney would have been the winner 38% to 31%. In Michigan there was a liberal leaning website that urged Democrats to vote for Mitt Romney because, by their calculations, it would cause more fighting in the Republican party.

My basic opinion: If we don't want this to happen then we should consider making all primaries and caucuses closed.

That makes total sense, and is why it wont happen. Independants complain they cant vote in a primary, though they chose to be independent. Then you have areas that are solidy one party and people change membership just be given a choice, as if they didnt have one.

JackMc185 · #19 (**permalink**) 03-14-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagle88

...My basic opinion: If we don't want this to happen then we should consider making all primaries and caucuses closed.

Or, How about this. Anyone who wants to run for office, Local, State, or Fededral has to register with a political party and run on that party's platform. The electorate/population doesn't have to register with any party to vote. They just show proof of residency, sign in and vote in the elections.

Evil_inKarlate · #20 (**permalink**) 03-14-2008

This is wrong, but so are a lot of things about how our elections are run. And since those most likely to benefit from elections not truly representing the will of the people are the ones who make the rules, it won't be fixed for a long time, if ever.

jviehe · #21 (**permalink**) 03-14-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackMc185

Or, How about this. Anyone who wants to run for office, Local, State, or Fededral has to register with a political party and run on that party's platform. The electorate/population doesn't have to register with any party to vote. They just show proof of residency, sign in and vote in the elections.

Then anyone of any affiliation would be able to select the nominee for a certain party. Avoiding that exactly why we have parties. A group is set up to choose someone who will have the blessing of that group.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode