George Bush's last press conference Page 4

Quote: DaButt @ January 14 2009, 3:54 PM GMT

I think the difference between the parties is very small and most of the points of contention are minor non-issues like abortion. They make for a great debate, but are actually of little consequence.

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I don't think I agree with dismissing abortion as a "minor non-issue." On an individual scale I can think of few more important decisions a person could undertake. It's important to the teen mother or the rape victim or the doctor who doesn't wish to perform the operation. Hardly "minor."

Quote: DaButt @ January 14 2009, 3:54 PM GMT

I wouldn't want the 2 parties to reconcile. We have a good track record of flipping back and forth between the two every decade or so, thus keeping us on a fairly even, centered path.

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Ah. Okay then, makes sense.

Quote: DaButt @ January 14 2009, 3:54 PM GMT

My only complaint - and it would be echoed by almost every American - is that politicians are too beholden to their donors and the special interests they represent. I would like to see an end to earmarks and influence peddling of all kinds by both parties.

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Hear hear!

Quote: zooo @ January 14 2009, 3:42 PM GMT

Is there anyone (realistic) that you would like as president?

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Was that directed at Aaron? If not, I'll take a stab at it. My choice for president would probably be a retired military general. The best generals keep their politics hidden and are adept at organizing people and getting things done for the common good of those under their command. I think Colin Powell and David Petraeus would make great presidents.

Also in the running: Condi Rice.

Quote: PhQnix @ January 14 2009, 3:59 PM GMT

I don't think I agree with dismissing abortion as a "minor non-issue." On an individual scale I can think of few more important decisions a person could undertake. It's important to the teen mother or the rape victim or the doctor who doesn't wish to perform the operation. Hardly "minor."

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Abortion affects a tiny percentage of the population, has been legal for more than 35 years and will almost certainly remain so. It's one of the best "let's argue about this instead of something substantial" issues a politician can seize upon.

Quote: zooo @ January 14 2009, 3:42 PM GMT

Is there anyone (realistic) that you would like as president?

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Well Clinton didn't make me retch every time she opened her mouth or appeared on television. Hell, I'd have sooner seen McCain win it than Obama.

Quote: DaButt @ January 14 2009, 4:06 PM GMT

Abortion affects a tiny percentage of the population, has been legal for more than 35 years and will almost certainly remain so. It's one of the best "let's argue about this instead of something substantial" issues a politician can seize upon.

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Ah. Okay then, from that point of view I can understand you calling it "minor." Carry on good sir.

Quote: PhQnix @ January 14 2009, 3:59 PM GMT

I don't think I agree with dismissing abortion as a "minor non-issue." On an individual scale I can think of few more important decisions a person could undertake. It's important to the teen mother or the rape victim or the doctor who doesn't wish to perform the operation. Hardly "minor."

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It's inconsequential. As DaButt says, it's been legal for quite a while and will remain so. Compare it to issues of national security, foreign policy, fallout from natural disasters, general welfare issues... It's smaller than minor.

Quote: DaButt @ January 14 2009, 4:06 PM GMT

Was that directed at Aaron? If not, I'll take a stab at it. My choice for president would probably be a retired military general. The best generals keep their politics hidden and are adept at organizing people and getting things done for the common good of those under their command. I think Colin Powell and David Petraeus would make great presidents.

Also in the running: Condi Rice.

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It was originally aimed at Aaron, but actually would be interesting to hear everyone's choices!

Quote: Aaron @ January 14 2009, 4:09 PM GMT

It's inconsequential. As DaButt says, it's been legal for quite a while and will remain so. Compare it to issues of national security, foreign policy, fallout from natural disasters, general welfare issues... It's smaller than minor.

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Sooo essentially you just reiterated DaButt's point right after I had accepted his argument? Riiiiight. Okay then.

Quote: Aaron @ January 14 2009, 4:07 PM GMT

Well Clinton didn't make me retch every time she opened her mouth or appeared on television.

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She would probably make a good president. She's certainly benefited from the years she spent in the White House as First Lady, but those years were also a hindrance in the eyes of many voters. She almost seemed to think she was owed the position and that turned off a lot of people.

If she had been elected there would have been either a Clinton or a Bush as president or vice president for the entire period of 1981 through at least 2013. That's 32 years!

I genuinely don't know anything about American politics so I can only judge on whether I warm to them as people. (as irrelevant as that may be.)

I absoluuutely don't to Hilary, but I do to Obama. I did to Hilary's hubbie too.

Quote: PhQnix @ January 14 2009, 4:15 PM GMT

Sooo essentially you just reiterated DaButt's point right after I had accepted his argument? Riiiiight. Okay then.

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Evidently, you posted whilst I was typing.

In any case, a liberal/lefty nutter like you needs telling twice.

Chelsea might yet make it into the White House as president. Or one of those sluttish Bush daughters.

Quote: zooo @ January 14 2009, 4:23 PM GMT

I absoluuutely don't to Hilary, but I do to Obama.

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That's because she's a woman. But he's a man. And a black.

Yes it's true, I do hate all women, and like all men. :/

My opinion:
1) Two Party systems are a joke.
2) The College System is ridiculously outdated and undemocratic.
3) Just about any form of Proportional Representation is your best option.

Quote: Curt @ January 14 2009, 4:29 PM GMT

3) Just about any form of Proportional Representation is your best option.

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Tell that to the Italians.