Choosing a Candidate

[Mel]

Article featured in Avatar - Volume 1, Issue 12 (May 2008).

Choosing a Candidate
by Vessol

It's hard to write a news article for a monthly issue. Why, you may ask? It's hard mainly because the news changes faster than the weather. What's up-to-date one day is old news the next, and lets not even get into months.

When I was thinking of writing an article, I turned on the TV to get a brief idea. As many of you know, the dominating thing in the media lately is the 2008 Elections. As America is a very important nation in world affairs (for good or bad), I believe that the 2008 Elections are an important event for the world. However, instead of focusing on the various candidates and taking a side, I wish to provide some more ideas to aid you on learning more about various candidates.

What are some things to consider when choosing a candidate?

You could close your eyes and vote for any candidate, but is that a smart vote? Some may say your vote doesn't count, but I think that is for another time or a debate. Whether or not, if you do vote you should try and be as informed as possible. Here are some ideas to help you through choosing a candidate:

1.) Check out the candidate's website and see where they stand on issues. A simple Google search could help with this.

2.) If you are the skeptic sort, look into non-biased sources on the candidate you're interested in. See their political and personal past, also see if they have a record for being a honest politician.

3.) Don't limit yourself. Don't just look at the candidates that are mainstream. As much as they don't get media attention, many third party and independent candidates have a lot of great ideas. If you really do want to change the two-party system, then you have to start somewhere!

4.) Don't believe libel and slander. This basically means don't believe everything you are told. Rumors spread fast and are almost always false. An example of what not to do is seeing some random headline on a tabloid in a supermarket line and taking it as true. A lot of times these things are often spouted by supporters of another candidate and are founded on little if any truth.

5.) Don't go crazy over your candidate. It is great to really support a candidate, but when you do it to much in advance and for too long you start getting tired of it and may stop really caring. Being involved in politics is great, but you can't let it take over your life.

Remember that participating in politics, even on a minor level, can be fun and interesting. You can learn a lot and get involved in something that really matters. So when choosing a candidate, be educated and make sure to check up on the facts! Small things can make a huge difference.