Please provide links to actual statements when opposing a candidate.

[MaryBear]

If you oppose Obama, Clark, Hillary Clinton, or even Rudy Giulani, please do so based on their own words. Do not tell me to oppose someone based on generic claims of their viewpoints. Give me a link so I can read and decide for myself if what they said is what you ascribe to them.

MB

[William769]

1. I have tried that and basically the response I get is look for it yourself.

people may not like what I post but one thing is for sure, when I use a statement that is not mine there is always a link.

[MaryBear]

3. So much of opposition arguments is hearsay,

with no relation directly to a candidate.

[bread_and_roses]

2. Since most of them go out of their way to avoid anything but platitudes and

generalities, your request might be a trifle difficult to meet. Transcripts of floor debate in House/Senate may provide some substance, occasionally. Besides, often as much can be inferred from what is not said as what is.

[MaryBear]

4. inferred from what is not said?

now there is a logical argument!

[Forkboy]

5. People will just read the actual words and infer what they want anyways.

Even actual words can be taken in different ways by different people.And people who are inclined to see the negative will find it.Those inclined to find the positive will find it.It basically comes down to whether or not you support the person in question to start with.Hardcore partisan supporters aren't exactly known for their objectivity and willingness to rethink things,especially when it comes from another candidate's hardcore partisans. :)

On the plus side,DU's popcorn sales will skyrocket over the next year! :popcorn:

[MaryBear]

6. Give me the actual words and let me infer for myself.

Thank you.

[Forkboy]

8. That's my preference as well.

[sampsonblk]

7. Frankly, that's an absurb way to look at things

Actions speak louder than words. And politicians don't always say what they mean. In fact, shocking as it may seem, a lot of them actually lie.

A good deduction is worth 1000 stump speeches or worthless position papers.

[Dawgs]

9. You're saying I should listen to some Edwards hater interpretation over the actual words of Edwards?

Because that was the request; not what you're suggesting.

[Bjorn Against]

10. No, I don't think that is what he or she is saying necessarily...

Let's apply this to Bush instead of the Democratic candidates and perhaps this will seem a bit more understandable of a position. Bush is never going to directly admit that he is killing hundreds of thousands of civilians in Iraq, he is not going to admit he tortures, he is not going to admit that he is ripping off the taxpayers and sending their money to Halliburton, he is not going to admit his wiretapping program is being used against innocent Americans, the list could go on and on.

Do you think everyone should have to provide a link of Bush saying something is true when we already know it is true?

I know that there are plenty of unfair charges made against certain political leaders here, but lets not pretend that all politicians speak openly and candidly about what they are doing either.

[sampsonblk]

12. You said it much better than I did

thanks

[sampsonblk]

11. Well, no...

Candidates' statements during a campaign are not a good indication of where they stand or what they believe in. What I'm saying is that if you're going to insist on a reliable source, that ain't it.

"If you wait till the campaign to learn about the candidates, then you've already lost."

Better to insist that they point to something more tangible, like a candidate's record instead. Or a statement they made before the campaign.

[MaryBear]

13. Actually, it is not at all an absurd way to look at things.

As I said above, I prefer to make my own deductions. Now, if you want to tell me your deductions, and include links to on what you based those deductions, that is fine. However, to my mind an absurd way to look at things is simply to accept another's deductions without bothering to go to the source.

[snowbear]

14. Thanks for putting out the reminder Mary Bear !!

~~ We all need to keep that in mind as the primary season rolls along! ~~

[sampsonblk]

16. Your post just gave me a headache!

Facts and deduction matter. Campaign quotes, appearances, etc are mostly bull, crafted by advisors. This is how candidates can get successful makeovers, because there are people who actually buy the stuff. Why am I telling you this? You're here, so you obviously already know it.

Accept what you want from whom you want. I am just pointing out something you already know. But please don't let me ruin your fun.

[Adelante]

15. Yes, please

Things have gotten very lax around here on the link front. :thumbsup: