Reasons for Posting Political Threads

[chri'stina 190]

Ok I want to know. Of these sort of options, what are the reasons? I am not trying to be rude b/c I like debating sometimes too, but I think this all gets ridiculous fast around here.

Do people post tons of political threads to convince people to vote for who they like?

Just to make the other candidate look bad?

To stir the pot?

Because you love debating?

Just because? Do you think it's fun to post multiple threads every day about the same issues?

Another question, does anyone think posting them changes people's minds?

I understand wanting to discuss or debate political issues, and I think it's good for people to debate---respectfully, which is RARE here. I like debating sometimes. If people want views and would respectfully debate, that can be interesting.

I just want to know why people who post lots of political threads every day do it. My mind has not been changed by them, and I usually already heard what's being posted on the news channels. And let's not forget almost all of them are against one candidate and in favor of the candidate of the original poster. They are biased of course. There are rarely threads that are non-partisan focusing on things like "keeping them(candidates) both honest" or listing side by side what the plans are for actual issues.

I myself am sick of both sides twisting things. Yes I said BOTH sides. I support McCain, but he has allowed some dumb ads and other things to go on. I don't believe he is infallible.

I can't wait until the freaking elections are over.

Edited September 22, 2008 by Parivar CSK

[chri'stina 190]

I don't know if some people are so afraid of saying anything negative about their own choice for Pres that they will make people not want to vote for them anymore. It's like people run away when you try to find common ground, they just want to argue-not get a long. Don't dare say anything bad about your candidate...or else! *dun dun dun*

[rocks 494]

i think for some people they really beleive they can change the minds of people and for others it just reaffirms their own beliefs. i also don't enjoy when it results in calling each other names and being abusive because someone doesn't agree with you.

[pedroh 21]

[Ban Hammer 13,345]

go hug a tree, hippie!

[chri'stina 190]

I bet this topic won't even get that many posts...it's not inflammatory enough.

[Ban Hammer 13,345]

I bet this topic won't even get that many posts...it's not inflammatory enough.

say something negative about obama then

[IAMX 3,055]

I think we should just have one pinned election topic where people can post all these election things in it. I kinda think it's a bit ridiculous and spammy as well. I know it's difficult to avoid politics, but at least with this there'd be more discussions about other things as well.

[almaty 19]

or mccain

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

A large portion of the political articles that are posted, especially the op-ed pieces, are not posted to facilitate discussion - but simply to score cheap points against the other side for the benefit of those with preconceived ideas.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Political threads provide the opporunity for spamming so the usuals can up their post count. But believe it or not, there are forums where there are quality political discussuons, just not here where it is all bashing.

[chri'stina 190]

I think we should just have one pinned election topic where people can post all these election things in it. I kinda think it's a bit ridiculous and spammy as well. I know it's difficult to avoid politics, but at least with this there'd be more discussions about other things as well.

I agree, but I don't think that would be possible. Even if there was one thread for certain issues to be written about instead of opening a new thread for each new article someone wants to post, that'd be better. But it's not going to happen.

or mccain

I did say something negative about McCain in my original post

A large portion of the political articles that are posted, especially the op-ed pieces, are not posted to facilitate discussion - but simply to score cheap points against the other side for the benefit of those with preconceived ideas.

I agree. Why do we have to read strangers'(article authors) biased opinions all the time instead of looking at the issues side by side. But whatever.

[rclouse 0]

For me, I want people to pay attention this time. We got stuck with W for eight years because people weren't paying attention. Plus this time on the Democratic side we've got a truly exciting and inspiring candidate, and I feel very strongly that he's going to do a great job. Look at the campaign, he talks about issues, the other side talks about lipstick.

I feel this country is going the wrong direction and is headed for much worse unless we, yes, change. Since McCain has shown over the past 8 years that if he can't beat them, he'll join them, he's going to make things worse, not better. And his hockey mom/pit bull waiting for his heart to stop scares me; we'll long for the days of W's competence should she become President.

[Peikko 1,575]

I think people don't want to be accused of not knowing enough to have a valid opinion of their own so they ride on the back of received opinion. That in turn leads to this point scoring mentality. Well, some of the time that's true anyway

[chri'stina 190]

For me, I want people to pay attention this time. We got stuck with W for eight years because people weren't paying attention. Plus this time on the Democratic side we've got a truly exciting and inspiring candidate, and I feel very strongly that he's going to do a great job. Look at the campaign, he talks about issues, the other side talks about lipstick.

I feel this country is going the wrong direction and is headed for much worse unless we, yes, change. Since McCain has shown over the past 8 years that if he can't beat them, he'll join them, he's going to make things worse, not better. And his hockey mom/pit bull waiting for his heart to stop scares me; we'll long for the days of W's competence should she become President.

(bolded) That is simply your opinion, not fact. I am paying attention, and I still don't want to vote for Obama. When people say others aren't paying attention because they aren't supporting who they want, it's just biased in my opinion, more of the same.