No, the fact that the average voter allowed the Presidency to become a popularity contest is. As well as the average voter actually not paying attention to the issues and relying on the biased media to actually put the truth out.
Obama wasn't really elected because of his star power. There was a change in social mood as reflected in the stock market and whenever there is a change in social mood there is a change in presidential party (political party). The reason he wasn't defeated in 2012 was social mood has been net positive since Mar 2009. If the market tops before 2016 election and turns down which would indicate a change in social mood then the Republicans will be back in the white house. This formula doesn't always work but does most of the time.
He also was made out to be something he completely wasn't as well. The media portrayed him as the savior and promoted him to the highest levels based on...nothing really. And people swooned over the "hope and change" and fancy slogans.
He was, simply put, a celebrity that had zero experience in governing or in leading anything besides a pick up basketball game. And had about as much business being in the top seat as my dog did. For all intents and purposes, Hillary was actually the superior candidate in 2008. But Obama was more popular and he got the nod.
And while yes the issues are important to elections these days, the popularity factor cannot be dismissed. Being that the average voter tends to know dick all about the issues unless it's directly affected them in the previous month before an election, it tends to come down to a popularity vote.
Like I said social issues are what run this country. Left leaning socially= vote liberal
Wasn't trying to offend you.
I don't disagree that it's all about the power.
I just think it's crazy that the right has up and decided that they own fiscal responsibility. I think they've told themselves they are the best stewards of money so many times, they now believe it.
Truth is both parties suck at fiscal responsibility and use different wedge issues to allocate the money that's been taxed.
Here is where I differ with you. Left or right on social issues, it's still about control.
Far right social:
wants to control who you can marry
end abortion
no choice on drugs
ext ext
Far Left social:
wants to limit the size of your soda
wants to limit free speech if it offends
wants to force you to associate with who you do not want to
use taxes to enforce their societal goals
In short they are all the same, they want control over you and want you to abide by their idea of social norms. The biggest difference is the left is far more dangerous to freedom.
