The Problem with Single-Issue Voters- How to vote like an adult

The Prometheus Institute ^ | 3/21/2008 | Matt Fay

[tang0r]

Common Single-Issue Issues

Many of the issues that attract single-issue voters are the so-called “wedge” issues. These are usually the most controversial and divisive issues there are. These are the issues that are meant to either leverage or ignite a candidate’s base. These issues, such as gay marriage, flag burning, gun control, abortion, immigration, etc., are usually ones that a candidate has no ability, or is unwilling, to bring about any change in policy on. Gay marriage is a matter for state and local governments. While I may not personally like guns, gun ownership is a right guaranteed in the constitution and can only be taken away by amending the constitution, something no politician can do indepently. Immigration is a tough issue that is within the purview of a candidate running for president, but it is rarely addressed because many candidates, both democrat and republican, have business interests who have contributed to their campaigns who are looking for cheap labor. All of these issues are important to many people, both for and against, but if it is solely a candidate’s position on any of these issues that decides your vote, I would not hold my breath waiting for anything to be done about them.

[PeterFinn]

I often vote single issue. For instance, I will not vote for anyone who wants to restrict my right to keep and bear arms be they the finest fiscal conservative who ever walked the planet. Try to take my guns away and I will not vote for you.

In the matter of John McCain I am not at all a single issue voter. I have plenty of reasons why he will not get my vote this year.

[doc1019]

Yea, killing babies (abortion) has always been a “wedge” issue for me. I feel so childish, not wanting to vote for a baby-killing advocate.

[the invisib1e hand]

funny, I didn’t become a “single issue voter” until I was an adult.

[baa39]

Mr. Fay, go ahead and put yourself through your supercilious psuedo-intellectual contortions, but one nice thing about the right to vote is we are entitled to cast the ballot for any darn issue we like, single, multiple or completely irrelevant.

[RepublitarianRoger2]

I never vote for a candidate based on one, single issue — but I’ve voted AGAINST a candidate based on an unacceptable position he/she has on a single issue.

[Secret Agent Man]

Yet another liberal explaining to us the right and wrong ways to vote.

Fork off, junior. Get a real job.

[Emmett McCarthy]

I’m with you, doc. It doesn’t matter what office they’re running for, either. Anyone who is not opposed to the abortion-on-demand agenda is not morally fit for any office at any level.