Posters becoming politicans

[MarkDel]

As someone who used to be involved in politics for real, I think I have some pretty good insight into this question. While I have not met you guys in person, based on what I've read on this forum in terms of substance AND style, there are very, very few people who actually have a chance to be elected to significant political office.

On the forum, one person stands out above the rest as a guy with a very, very real future in politics based on his intelligence, demeanor, and the substance AND style of his arguments. More on him at the end...

But guys who COULD have a future from what I see include Supersoulty and PBrunsel on the Republican side, and Ben and Nym90 on the Democratic side. As for the European contingent, both Gustaf and JFK could also be on that track. But all of these people mentioned have limitations which could hinder their chances...

The only surefire politician on this forum...if he wants it...is John Ford.

[MarkDel]

As someone who used to be involved in politics for real, I think I have some pretty good insight into this question. While I have not met you guys in person, based on what I've read on this forum in terms of substance AND style, there are very, very few people who actually have a chance to be elected to significant political office.

On the forum, one person stands out above the rest as a guy with a very, very real future in politics based on his intelligence, demeanor, and the substance AND style of his arguments. More on him at the end...

But guys who COULD have a future from what I see include Supersoulty and PBrunsel on the Republican side, and Ben and Nym90 on the Democratic side. As for the European contingent, both Gustaf and JFK could also be on that track. But all of these people mentioned have limitations which could hinder their chances...

The only surefire politician on this forum...if he wants it...is John Ford.

Wow, thank you.  I do hope to go into politics, so this is very encouraging.

John,

No problem. It's the truth. You know the facts and present them in a way that average people can understand...this is the SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT factor in becoming a successful politician. It's more important than your positions, it's more important than your party and it's sure as hell more important than merely being intelligent.

You remind me of...ME...about 20 years ago, only you're not burdened by the New York "I'll kick your ass" attitude that sometimes hampered me.

And a little tip from me...STAY IN SHAPE...you would be surprised by how many party leaders consider physical attractiveness when they select a candidate. When the Republicans in Upstate NY asked me to run, more than half of the party leaders I spoke to in private mentioned to me at some point that, "In addition to everything else, you LOOK the part with the blond hair, blue eyes, etc, etc...." Of course, if I went to run for office now, they'd say, "We already have enough fat, bald guys in the party" but back then my appearance was a major positive factor..just ask John Edwards.

[MarkDel]

I might run for city council or state legislature in Minneapolis and then make a run for Congress or mayor. Of course it'd have to be in Minneapolis since that's one of the few cities I could get elected in.

BetterRed,

Not even the Democratic Party would nominate you unless it was a completely unwinnable race and they needed a sacrificial lamb.

[MarkDel]

BetterRed,

I guess I interpreted the question to mean national and/or statewide office. In any area of the country except the isolated Marxist areas like Minny, San. Fran, Cambridge, etc..., you would have no chance at even being nominated.

[MarkDel]

Not if you told the truth...even by those standards, you are an extremist.

[MarkDel]

MarkDel, out of Curiosity, what about me?

PS could you please check this RPG, it might be something you're interested in and we need new players badly. Think Risk meets Svengali, but much more in depth..

M,

You have the intellect and the views to be a successful politician, but as cynical as this sounds, it would be an uphill struggle for you as an Orthodox Jew who happens to be a Republican. Sadly, there are still enough elements of the Republican Party who would automatically not trust you as a "true conservative" because you are Jewish...I know that sounds just awful, but it's a sad reality because the Jewish community has been so thoroughly hateful towards the Republican Party (and for good reasons at times in the past) for decades, and have only now drifted a little bit towards the Republicans as the Democrats have become the Official Apologists for Islam since 9/11. However, if you could get the nomination in the right district, a high profile Jewish Republican (tough on national defense and socially conservative) would be a GREAT candidate in Florida.

By the way, what is RPG?

[MarkDel]

As someone who used to be involved in politics for real, I think I have some pretty good insight into this question. While I have not met you guys in person, based on what I've read on this forum in terms of substance AND style, there are very, very few people who actually have a chance to be elected to significant political office.

On the forum, one person stands out above the rest as a guy with a very, very real future in politics based on his intelligence, demeanor, and the substance AND style of his arguments. More on him at the end...

But guys who COULD have a future from what I see include Supersoulty and PBrunsel on the Republican side, and Ben and Nym90 on the Democratic side. As for the European contingent, both Gustaf and JFK could also be on that track. But all of these people mentioned have limitations which could hinder their chances...

The only surefire politician on this forum...if he wants it...is John Ford.

Just out of couriosity, and you know I won't get offended if you speak the blunt truth, what limitations do you see for me?  And I want you to be VERY honest.


If you are honest, I can work on improvement.

Supersoulty,

Self-confidence...voters are like animals, they can sense weakness and self-doubt, that's why Dan Quayle took a major beating when he emerged as a national figure...the self-doubt oozed from his every pore. You're VERY confident in your beliefs and you definitely have the rhetorical style (on paper) to do well in politics, but I question whether or not you can translate that "written" confidence to "verbal" confidence when confronted with situations where you are uncomfortable. How one improvises at moments of weakness are critical to a politician, and if there is such a thing, you may be TOO HONEST to adequately improvise.

Sorry if that pisses you off, but you asked me to be honest, so I was.

[MarkDel]

Supersoulty,

You could cure all of that by conquering some demons which we have previously discussed in another thread. Unless I miss my guess, your lack of success in that arena has begun to pervade your overall personality, and you cannot let that happen, not just for the sake of a potential political career either.

[MarkDel]

MarkDel,

While we are analzying. What's my shot? Be harsh.

StatesRights,

Well, your only real shot would be to stay strictly in a very rural area where there are a lot of Fundamentalist Christians and right wing "Nascar Dads"

Your biggest problem then would be getting the nomination and you're not the most ideal fit with the "money guys" who are the real power brokers in Florida politics. My guess is that they would look for more of the "Khakis and Golf Shirt" guy over the "Jeans and Cowboy Hat" guy.

[MarkDel]

Uncle Mark, you forgot me...

Handzus,

You know I like you personally, but you have a couple of major personality flaws that would KILL you in the world of politics. The most important one is that you are whimsical...I have seen you change your mind on issues and people from hour to hour, let alone day to day!!! Also, for better or for worse, your kind of "labor union" politics is pretty much at an end in the United States, even in the Democratic Party. The other big personality flaw is the same one I have...you have a tendency to be a little mean spirited from time to time...which is a reflection on our backgrounds as much as anything, but it still hurts you in political circles BEFORE you gain power. Once you have power, then you can open things up a little, but I think you would have a problem holding your temper.

[MarkDel]

States,

I did not realize that. The "preppy" thing would help you immensely when it came time to get support from party leaders and donations from the people who write the checks. That said, you might indeed have a real chance in that part of Polk County...what's the recent Hispanic Immigration like there? Is it changing the demographics of the county over the long haul?

[MarkDel]

As someone who used to be involved in politics for real, I think I have some pretty good insight into this question. While I have not met you guys in person, based on what I've read on this forum in terms of substance AND style, there are very, very few people who actually have a chance to be elected to significant political office.

On the forum, one person stands out above the rest as a guy with a very, very real future in politics based on his intelligence, demeanor, and the substance AND style of his arguments. More on him at the end...

But guys who COULD have a future from what I see include Supersoulty and PBrunsel on the Republican side, and Ben and Nym90 on the Democratic side. As for the European contingent, both Gustaf and JFK could also be on that track. But all of these people mentioned have limitations which could hinder their chances...

The only surefire politician on this forum...if he wants it...is John Ford.

Wow, thanks. What do you think my strengths/weaknesses are? Thanks in advance.

Nym90,

Your strengths are that you make intelligent and coherent arguments that would play well with most people. Your politics are left wing, but not so left wing that you would be unable to secure a nomination. You would have little or no problem securing votes within your own party, and would have a good chance to earn a nomination based on your "loyal Democratic soldier" approach to every issue, even when you know you're party is wrong. As for your weaknesses, you have a tendency to assume certain levels of knowledge on the part of your audience....this is not a good thing when dealing with the general public. You need to explain WHY you arrive at a conclusion better rather than just WHAT that conclusion may be. And while your partisan approach would aid you in securing a nomination, it would seriously alienate moderate and conservative voters if you were placed in an awkward situation by a fellow Democrat or an issue which is potentially negative for the overall party. Like most modern Democrats, you are prone to ignoring or rationalizing factual data when it doesn't suit your political agenda. You're part of what I like to call the "2+2=5" crowd who continue to argue their message even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Now you will counter by saying that BOTH parties do this, blah, blah, blah, but the truth is that Democrats do this FAR more often than Republicans, and this is a big factor on why Republicans made so many Congressional gains over the last 10 years. Democrats have lost because of their POLITICS more than their POLICY, and you definitely fall into the "2+2=5 and it depends on what the definition of is is" crowd. THAT KILLS YOU in a general election unless you are in a very, very safe district.

[MarkDel]

Is that all you have to say for me, though?

Supersoulty,

No, far from it, but you just asked for the negatives. The positives are that you have an outstanding grasp of the issues and you have this natural demeanor that makes people want to like you. You would find a lot of support from those in your own party, and would even have crossover appeal if you were able to express yourself in person the way you express yourself on paper. Seriously, the only thing holding you back would be that self-confidence issue.

[MarkDel]

States,

I did not realize that. The "preppy" thing would help you immensely when it came time to get support from party leaders and donations from the people who write the checks. That said, you might indeed have a real chance in that part of Polk County...what's the recent Hispanic Immigration like there? Is it changing the demographics of the county over the long haul?

Hispanics are moving in. But I wouldn't say it's a flood but its a rural farming community where I live as you may already know. The Democrats are almost "unheard" around here. Its a battle of the most right conservative. And yes I do wear a lot of khakis and such as long as jeans and such..I mix and match. I was voted most likely to become a politician in H.S. for whatever that means. My wife says I'd make a d*mn good representative so maybe she may be on to something. I really really want to hold a position. Not just some passing desire but a burning passion in my gut (I know it sounds weird) to represent Americans at whatever level. I wish I knew where to start and what to do because I would be on it in a New York minute. I am bored with my job and am looking to start into politics but I am concerned about the money. Ok, now that I've rambled on I'll let you respond.

StatesRights,

Do you know anyone involved in local politics? That would be the best place to start. Call the County Republican Office and tell them that you are interested in doing some volunteer work or being a Committee Rep....then start charming people...LOL

[MarkDel]

Is that all you have to say for me, though?

Supersoulty,

No, far from it, but you just asked for the negatives. The positives are that you have an outstanding grasp of the issues and you have this natural demeanor that makes people want to like you. You would find a lot of support from those in your own party, and would even have crossover appeal if you were able to express yourself in person the way you express yourself on paper. Seriously, the only thing holding you back would be that self-confidence issue.

I think that your words have helped.  

Supersoulty,

And it's a real gift that you have when I say that people "want to like you"

That's a great positive in life. I have a variation on that in my personality...people either LOVE me or HATE me...and there are generally very few people in between. I was literally the most POPULAR person AND most HATED person in my entire High School...both at the same time.

[MarkDel]

Mark, you never really hit on my strengths.   Just thought I'd point that out.

God, you didn't ask for those either...LOL

I would say that you're biggest strength is your passion for making a difference. People can tell when a politician is just going through the motions or when he really, truly cares about the issues and his job. Your passion and enthusiam would be your biggest strength. You're not as "up" on the issues as someone like John Ford or Supersoulty, but you THINK you are, and that is often enough in modern politics, especially in your party where your base is less educated and less involved in daily politics. You have a real confidence that what you are saying is right...even if you do have a tendency to take a different position only a few hours later...LOL

[MarkDel]

Is that all you have to say for me, though?

Supersoulty,

No, far from it, but you just asked for the negatives. The positives are that you have an outstanding grasp of the issues and you have this natural demeanor that makes people want to like you. You would find a lot of support from those in your own party, and would even have crossover appeal if you were able to express yourself in person the way you express yourself on paper. Seriously, the only thing holding you back would be that self-confidence issue.

I think that your words have helped.  

Supersoulty,

And it's a real gift that you have when I say that people "want to like you"

That's a great positive in life. I have a variation on that in my personality...people either LOVE me or HATE me...and there are generally very few people in between. I was literally the most POPULAR person AND most HATED person in my entire High School...both at the same time.

Hehe, I was too.  One of the most hated and one of the most liked.

Handzus,

That makes sense... we both have "in your face" personalities.

[MarkDel]

So mark, you gonna vote in Fantasy politics or what?

Oh, do I have to do it tonight or can I wait until tomorrow?

[MarkDel]

Mark, you never really hit on my strengths.   Just thought I'd point that out.

God, you didn't ask for those either...LOL

I would say that you're biggest strength is your passion for making a difference. People can tell when a politician is just going through the motions or when he really, truly cares about the issues and his job. Your passion and enthusiam would be your biggest strength. You're not as "up" on the issues as someone like John Ford or Supersoulty, but you THINK you are, and that is often enough in modern politics, especially in your party where your base is less educated and less involved in daily politics. You have a real confidence that what you are saying is right...even if you do have a tendency to take a different position only a few hours later...LOL

Thanks.  Thing is you didn't answer why you think I'm whimsical?  It seems like that word or "flip-flop" is becoming casually used to describe someone that doesn not agree with them.

Handzus,

OK, here's just one example. A few weeks ago, you spent several posts telling me how the extreme social leftists were ruining the Democratic Party and how the Democratic Party would be much better off if it went back to its "blue collar" roots rather than than today's "green roots"

I AGREED WITH YOU...then a few hours later, you are practically fellating Migrendel (actually that might be a poor choice of words where he's concerned) and telling him how great his social leftist wing of the party is. THAT IS A FLIP FLOP....then when I pointed it out to you, you went into the "2+2=5" routine that Democrats use these days to try and tell me that I didn't see what I really saw. That's just one example.

[MarkDel]

So mark, you gonna vote in Fantasy politics or what?

Oh, do I have to do it tonight or can I wait until tomorrow?

Mark, if you Register in the New register thread this should be the post..

MarkDel
Southern Republican Party
Florida

States,

Why are so many Republicans not Republicans in the Fantasy Elections? And is there an actual Democratic Party there?

[MarkDel]

Mark, you never really hit on my strengths.   Just thought I'd point that out.

God, you didn't ask for those either...LOL

I would say that you're biggest strength is your passion for making a difference. People can tell when a politician is just going through the motions or when he really, truly cares about the issues and his job. Your passion and enthusiam would be your biggest strength. You're not as "up" on the issues as someone like John Ford or Supersoulty, but you THINK you are, and that is often enough in modern politics, especially in your party where your base is less educated and less involved in daily politics. You have a real confidence that what you are saying is right...even if you do have a tendency to take a different position only a few hours later...LOL

Thanks.  Thing is you didn't answer why you think I'm whimsical?  It seems like that word or "flip-flop" is becoming casually used to describe someone that doesn not agree with them.

I AGREED WITH YOU...then a few hours later, you are practically fellating Migrendel (actually that might be a poor choice of words where he's concerned)

OMG!! LOL That is the funniest thing (besides FreedomBurns posts) that I have read all night.

My wife and her friends have been trying to get me to do "open microphone" night at one of the local comedy clubs. In real life, I dish out harsh one-liners ALL DAY LONG.

[MarkDel]

Mark, if you Register in the New register thread this should be the post..

MarkDel
Southern Republican Party
Florida

MarkDel
UAC
Florida

John,

Obviously I instinctively lean towards the Republicans, but I assume your party is pretty close to my views as well. Tell me, is there a roster of party members for the various parties?

[MarkDel]

Well, I simply MUST go to sleep now...daughter gets up early.

I need to get a good night's sleep and decide whether or not I want to tell you guys the INSIDE INFORMATION on the Sandy Berger situation....I called my source in DC who works for a well known Democratic Senator (same guy who gave me the scoop about Edwards being VP nominee) and I got the REAL SCOOP on Berger...but the bastard made me promise not to say anything, so I'm probably obliged to keep that promise as much as I'd like to tell you guys what I know.

[MarkDel]

As someone who used to be involved in politics for real, I think I have some pretty good insight into this question. While I have not met you guys in person, based on what I've read on this forum in terms of substance AND style, there are very, very few people who actually have a chance to be elected to significant political office.

On the forum, one person stands out above the rest as a guy with a very, very real future in politics based on his intelligence, demeanor, and the substance AND style of his arguments. More on him at the end...

But guys who COULD have a future from what I see include Supersoulty and PBrunsel on the Republican side, and Ben and Nym90 on the Democratic side. As for the European contingent, both Gustaf and JFK could also be on that track. But all of these people mentioned have limitations which could hinder their chances...

The only surefire politician on this forum...if he wants it...is John Ford.

Having read through all your posting on the strengths and weaknesses of all, I am curious as to mine, I think they will most likely be different from the other posters here, I have quite a good deal of confidence, especially when speaking (that is what doing nine years of drama will do to you), I am a pretty good debater (debating society helps ), I have reasonably good issue knowledge I reckon which is helped along here and by the fact that I am a member of a politics society.

I am curious as to my weaknesses, apart from the extreme arrogance .

JFK,

I would say you are an intelligent, confident young man who is an excellent debater. You have a bright future. Your weakness is that you are so convinced of your education and native intelligence that you are prone to being a little bit loose with the facts from time to time, and also commenting on things which you have limited knowledge, like the discussion we had about Israeli history a few months back. That sort of thing can get you in a lot of trouble. Learn to keep your mouth shut when you aren't sure of the answer. Only ask questions where you are certain of the answer, and fairly confident what the other person's response will be. When improvising where you are less than certain on a topic, keep it vague, sound thoughtful and then subtly change the subject to a related subject in which you DO know what you're talking about. That's a tool that makes a politician effective in tight spots...ie...Bill Clinton for example.

[MarkDel]

I'm also curious to my strengths and weaknesses, especially since MarkDel called me an almost-idiot-but-I'll-pardon-you-because-you're-young!

Ilikeverin,

Hmmm...you are a tough case because of your youth. I will say this, you are a bright guy (though not nearly as bright as you think you are) and you have some definite knowledge of history and politics. However, your weaknesses are very significant. First, someone or something has convinced you that being a Leftist is the same thing as being an intellectual, so you feel free to make all sorts of opinionated statements about the Right and right wing issues with no factual or logical base other than the sub-moronic implication of "Republicans are stupid, etc, etc..."

Second, you disagree with someone (based on their politics) just for the sake of disagreeing. If a Conservative says, "Water is blue" we are likely to hear you come in and explain why it's not really blue, but more of a greenish blue. This is childish behavior that might be attributed to your youth, but it seems to pervade the younger Democrats I encounter, so perhaps it is part of the package the Left has to offer in the 21st Century...sort of the Clinton dividend.

Also, you are essentially devoid of objectivity. Having an opinion is one thing, but if you cannot rationally argue the opposition's view point with equal aplomb, you are incapable of having the skills needed to be an actual politician.

Also, you are essentially what we used to call in the 1980's "A Rebel without a Clue" You seem to believe that merely opposing the establishment (which in your view is racist, while male Republicans) on a reflexive basis is not only a duty, but you do it with a smirk on your face. Again, this may change with maturation.