Opinion
I have the ability to think for myself. Better still, I have a desire to genuinely understand all sides of an issue. I don’t have a lot of campaign savvy. I never studied political science, nor did I participate on any debate team, but if you want to know what it takes to win my vote, here’s the way it works for me.
A successful campaign is not about “winning” a race. It’s about achieving an opportunity to do good for the majority of people with a defined need. A successful campaign has nothing to do with personal gain. I’m sure we all get a little weary of reading the rants, blame slinging, self-serving rhetoric and incessant yammering of people declaring themselves to be the one visionary who has it all in perspective.
I know I get sick of all the pompous declarations, the flag-waving attempts to appeal to my patriotism, the subliminal messages designed to push my buttons, the media messages, and the continual assault on my senses and sensibilities all designed to sell me an idea.
Here’s a fact for all those candidates and incumbents: You don’t know me. You don’t know what’s in my heart or in my head. Your endless attempts to manipulate my vote by appealing to some issue you think matters to me will not work.
I realize I am a minority, not as a woman, but as a free thinker. I remain unencumbered by loyalty to any political party. I am motivated to vote for a candidate by what he or she has shown me, not what some campaign manager told me.
I am completely turned off by any candidate who opens his mouth to sling mud about his or her opponent. Don’t talk to me about your opponent! Talk to me about what YOU can do. Don’t make accusations, don’t try to artfully disparage your opponent, and don’t stretch the truth to make yourself look good at the expense of making someone else look bad.
If you are an incumbent, you are certainly welcome to tell me all the good things you’ve already done, as long as you include the things you are going to do in your next term. If you are a challenger, don’t spout those talking points unless you have the data to back it up. Show me a plan, convince me your idea is best or even that it will work.
If you have made an error, committed an indiscretion or been guilty of misjudgment, I forgive you. I’m fairly certain politicians are human and I do not expect perfection.
What I want, what I demand, is that you do the best job you can do, without bias, prejudice or unfair advantage. I expect a man or woman of honor and integrity, someone who cannot be bought with gifts or favors. I will vote for the person who is not looking to make a name or a career in politics, but is intent on serving for as long as he or she is effective as a leader. Show me that and you don’t have to “win” my vote. I’ll humbly drop it at your feet.
