People Vote on Emotion
08 July 2008 12:23 pm by Taylor Marsh
BY TAYLOR MARSH
–updated–
The ad says, “Don’t hope for a better life. Vote for one.”
People vote on their gut instincts. How they feel. They vote on the emotions a candidate brings out in them, good and bad, positive and negative.
Contrary to popular punditry, this election will not be about the issues. It will be about Barack Obama. If he can offer up a competitive narrative to McCain’s biography we will win. Because like it or not, that biography will tug at the emotions of every single American come November. It’s on these emotions elections are won. It’s not on the issues.
It’s a Democratic year, which will no doubt prove out in congressional races across this country. The presidency is a different thing all together.
What emotion will Obama reach in and pull on in the American voter? Between now and November the answer to that question will give you the outcome of the election.
UPDATE: If facts mattered, this post would be all the Democrats would need:
McCain’s record on veteran’s affairs has been horrible. Here’s a list from VA Watchdog. 2006 Senator McCain supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 20 percent in 2006.
2006 In 2006 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America gave Senator McCain a grade of D.
2006 Senator McCain sponsored or co-sponsored 18 percent of the legislation favored by the The Retired Enlisted Association in 2006.
2005 Senator McCain supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 25 percent in 2005.
2004 Senator McCain supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 50 percent in 2004.
2004 Senator McCain supported the interests of the The Retired Enlisted Association 0 percent in 2004.
2003-2004 Senator McCain supported the interests of the Vietnam Veterans of America 100 percent in 2003-2004.
2003 Senator McCain supported the interests of the The American Legion 50 percent in 2003.
2001 Senator McCain supported the interests of the Vietnam Veterans of America 46 percent in 2001.
1999 Senator McCain supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 66 percent in 1999.
1997-1998 Senator McCain supported the interests of the Vietnam Veterans of America 0 percent in 1997-1998.
Date Bill Title Vote
10/01/2007 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 NV
02/02/2006 Tax Rate Extension Amendment N
11/17/2005 Additional Funding For Veterans Amendment N
10/05/2005 Health Care for Veterans Amendment N
