Dear (2008 presidential candidate),
I am announcing my candidacy to be a voter for you in the 2008 presidential election.
My vote, however, must be earned.
I know. You are counting on coming up with several catch phrases that you will repeat endlessly (and often having little to do with the question you were asked). You are counting on running an image campaign – one that always casts you in the most favorable light while making your opponent look and sound like Satan’s first cousin. You are counting on the media to jump on your bandwagon and either not ask you the tough questions or only ask your opponent the tough questions.
If that’s your strategy, then I’m afraid you cannot count on my vote. I’m requesting a bit more from the person who is trying to win what, I’m sure, will be billed as the most important election in history (aren’t they all?).
If you are still reading this, then here is what you must do in order to get my vote:
Be bold. Strap on a pair (this is a metaphorical statement that works as well for Senator Clinton as it does for all the male candidates). Show me you can lead, show me you can stand up for yourself – even when it gets tough (‘cuz it most certainly will).
Be firm. There’s only one person who agrees with me on every position and that’s me (and due to misspent youth, I will not run for nor will I accept the nomination of my party). So, say what you believe in. Say why. Tell me how you got there. Convince me that I might want to give it a try. Stand up for what you believe in – even if the polls say you shouldn’t.
Be direct. Amazingly, some questions can actually be answered with a simple yes or no. Add a brief follow up or explanation if you need but please stop the circuitous responses that always seem to lead to your pre-ordained talking points. Stop spewing spin. We’ve all heard enough of that crap to last us a lifetime
Be civil. And not just in your acceptance or conciliation speech. The person(s) running against you isn’t stupid or evil or misguided. He or she represents a different point of view – a view he or she is entitled to, a view in which a sizable percentage of the American population have found enough commonality to elevate this person to be a candidate for America’s highest office. Just like you.
BTW, I have voted for Democratic, Republican and third party candidates. I vote for the person who comes closest to fulfilling my aforementioned items. Be that person and you‘ll get my vote. Be a wishy-washy, mind-changing poll slave and you won’t.
Now, get out there and make me proud to vote for you!
Terry W. Lovaas
Copyright 2007. Terry W. Lovaas. All Rights Reserved.
