DarkKnight

Well, we're getting deeper into the quagmire that is the voting process here in the states, and every other day, there seem's to be a new frontrunner in the candidate's particular party.

My question is this... just because someone IS a frontrunner (for whatever amount of time)... does that automatically mean they're qualified for the job?

I personally, would love it, if one day, the actually allowed a debate of these folks, like they did in the days of Lincoln/Douglas. Where there are no spin doctors, no pre-approval of questions, no sound bite answers, no timed responses. I'd enjoy seeing the stunned look on their face when they got hit an honest question from an average citizen, instead of the softballs that are usually lobbed their way from a moderator.

So far, to be totally honest, I've yet to see one that's said anything of substance other then "we support change" (in one rhetorical way or another... and who doesn't want change? The way things are going now is NOT the road to follow), and that they (the candidates) are NOT who's in office right now (D'uh!). Other then that... they really haven't said all that much.

Plus, I'd really like to know... and don't toss large objects at me for asking...

But do things like religious persuasion, sex, gender, dictate your decisions here, or do you truly just look for the qualified person? You can be honest. I can say for myself, I just want the person that is qualified, and wants the job for the right reasons (and I don't mean the free flights and awesome medical benefits).

How I yearn for the days when an "Average Joe" type of citizen, one without a gazillion dollars and a slew of political favors owed, backing their candidacy would run. I think if you put someone in there that actually had experience in "just trying to make a living"... that you'd see a lot of change towards average America, and a lot less cow towing to Corporate America.

(man, I know I'm gonna get blasted for starting this thread, but I'm really curious)