What is the deciding factor when voting?

[ColbertWatcher]

We've heard quite a bit about the GOP pick for running mate this week end. We've also heard much speculation from the GOP-controlled media about how "Hillary-supporters" will vote. We've heard little about McCain and less about his unvetted running mate, but lots and lots of noise about how experienced and blah, blah, blah.

Based on your own observations and your own definitions,
What criteria do you think most American voters will use to determine who they will vote for for President?

[featherman]

1. Traditional affiliation, comfort level and "feelings" - hate to say it but true

[BlooInBloo]

2. Criterion.

[SoCalDem]

3. Other.. I vote for the future

for my kids and their kids someday.. I'd rather err on the side of cleaner air, water, soil...and saving things for them..

one generation using up what should be saved for future generations is a pretty shitty thing to do.. I always choose the more forward-looking candidate

[ColbertWatcher]

4. But, this poll is about what you think influences OTHER voters. n/t

[Delphinus]

5. Sadly,

race. 'nuf said.

[ColbertWatcher]

6. I agree, I voted fear.

But, that could mean fear of terra-ists, or black people, or whatever.

[cynatnite]

7. fear and money n/t

[lifesbeautifulmagic]

8. emotional response

which is probably the same as fear

[DailyGrind51]

9. People vote their wallets!

[TahitiNut]

10. FUD

Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear,_uncertainty_and_doubt

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

11. Most American voters are conformists. They go with the flavor of the week.

They'll vote for whoever happens to be popular among their family, friends, co-workers, or drinking buddies.