Politics?

[84porsche]

So many of you know so much about politics and how it works, so here is my question, why don't you run and change the way things work. Have any of you tried running for a political office?

[on-ramp]

you need money, and lots of it, sad to say

[SilverPoly]

Keep in mind that when you run for office, personal matters can become fodder for pundits, opponents and the public at large. i.e. dirty laundry

[dd74]

Originally posted by Steve79SC
Keep in mind that when you run for office, personal matters can become fodder for pundits, opponents and the public at large...

Yeah, like everything that's been said on this board...

[Mulholland]

Originally posted by 84porsche
So many of you know so much about politics and how it works, so here is my question, why don't you run and change the way things work. Have any of you tried running for a political office?

Although I have amended my ways I wouldn't last minutes in a campaign. Although some notorious Democrats (while in office) dwarf my sordid history I would be buried with my personal past.

That being said, I think one can be much more effective from a media platform...I have heard callers call Rush Limbaugh and tell him he should run for President...lol...He is 10x as effective from the bully pulpit of the EIB golden microphone than the office of President, Senator or Congressman.

I choose media for my mission.

[dd74]

Originally posted by Mulholland

That being said, I think one can be much more effective from a media platform...I have heard callers call Rush Limbaugh and tell him he should run for President...lol...He is 10x as effective from the bully pulpit of the EIB golden microphone than the office of President, Senator or Congressman.

I choose media for my mission.

I agree. The media has far more power than politicians and in fact media since Kennedy has increasingly controlled politicians.

Look at the power Bob Woodward commands.

I'm actually looking forward to the republican version of Michael Moore. That person has to be out there...

Mull, could that person be you?

[350HP930]

If mul is the hope of the right wingers their cause is lost. I think that he would need to lapse back into drug addiction first though since hypocrisy and delusion appear to be the hallmarks of being a high profile right wing blowhard.

When you concerder what lunacy the right wing thrives on it certainly makes sense that the religious nuts like pat robertson's followers and crypto-fascists like the anti-cuba mafia and muslim haters are the strongholds for their political support.

As far as mul spreading his message of hate and fear on this BBS, as a non porshe owner or enthusiast I think he should take his crap somewhere else like a ricer or subie BBS.

[Moneyguy1]

Never ran myself, but have been involved in a number of local, state and federal campaigns.

Never thought of myself as suited for elected office; too prone to tell people where to shove it!!!!!! Not much of a politician, unable to follow one party's creed in blind lockstep.

[84porsche]

Wait isn't it wrong that the media controls our lives and controls the voice in our country. Aren't we as citizens supposed to have the right. We shouldn't be subject to big business and corporation demands (including Hollywood) and other media outlets. I don't want to be told what to hear and do.

[84porsche]

The people we vote for should have the right to make the decisions for our country based on what we vote for. It seems we go back and forth between the right and the left every 4 years. One will decrease military spending the other will increase. The other will put more money in public schools, the other will start a voucher program. This party stuff in my opinion is a little extreme. People as in us should be able to find an agreement point.

[Mulholland]

Originally posted by dd74
I'm actually looking forward to the republican version of Michael Moore. That person has to be out there...

Mull, could that person be you?

Dude, if I had the resources I could destroy the Democrat party and base it factually...I would never resort to the intentional deception of Michael Moore, nor would I defend a party who would lift on their shoulders and parade around such a POS.

[dd74]

So in your opinion, Mull, Moore is fundamentally wrong as a reporter, his material notwithstanding.

What would you do differently?

[Mulholland]

Originally posted by dd74
So in your opinion, Mull, Moore is fundamentally wrong as a reporter, his material notwithstanding.

What would you do differently?

Moore is a propagandist, his material is not standing...He has fell to pieces and the only glue that holds him together is hate (manufactured by the DNC top-brass) and a media unwilling to be as critical of him as they are Republicans or other dissenters.

If I were to shoot a documentary, I would make it a Documentary...I am quite convinced one could do an expose of perhaps the last 50 years of voting patterns, policy failures and debunking of class-warfare and envy rhetoric and put it all into a genuine perspective...all the while being very sensational (of course as this sells).

Just off the top of my head...I will disclose no more, because, well you know the game.

edits - man I just woke up and am sorta shooting from the hip

[CamB]

if I had the resources I could destroy the Democrat party and base it factually

I don't think it would work though - there are too many people who find the GOP's policies, etc, unpalatable. Where else would they go?

I actually had this conversation with my wife yesterday about our local body politicians (the city council). She wants the current mayor out, and will vote for whomever will accomplish that goal. She doesn't even like ANY of the three major candidates.

I guess I'm saying that until a viable alternative comes around, the Democrat party will continue no matter what you do or say. Its level of support may vary, but probably not by a truely huge amount.

(edit) I better answer the original question...

To succeed in politics in this country, you need the following:

- to become involved early (I'm talking early 20s)
- to schmooooooze
- to earn little and work hard(ish) (mostly schmoozing)
- did I mention schmooozing yet?

You don't need to be wealthy, although it is vital, from what I've seen, in the US. Its not in my nature to schmooze, I would wilt under any personal attacks, and more importantly the futility of having to work with other politicians would grind me into nothing in short order.

NZ's finest citizens do not follow political careers, so our leaders aren't exactly the top of the pile. They are ok, but not great.