Persuade this Uncommitted Voter

Last updated on: October 25, 2012 at 7:20 pm by Timothy Dalrymple

Persuade this Uncommitted Voter 2012-10-25T19:20:50-04:00 Timothy Dalrymple

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If you’re like me, you already know the candidate for whom you will vote. You also want to do what’s reasonably within your power to help place (or keep) the right man behind the Resolute desk — but you don’t have a whole lot of interaction with uncommitted voters.

Well, here’s your chance.

A friend of mine approached me with an idea. “I haven’t decided whom to vote for,” he said, “and I’m wondering if you might post something inviting your readers to comment and try to persuade me to vote for their guy.” I thought it was a swell idea. I’ll keep his identity private, but let’s call him Brother Campbell. Brother Campbell is a Christian minister of some sort, and in the midst of a PhD program. A bright guy, and very committed Christian — but he doesn’t spend all day reading and writing about politics.

So, what would you tell him? How would you try to convince him to vote for your preferred candidate? Here is Brother Campbell’s explanation — and your chance to do something more than just vote and donate:

It seems like this election is focused solely on the economy and getting America back to work. Which candidate will be more effective at accomplishing this goal? Selfishly, I think I would fare better under a Romney presidency, but as a Christian I feel compelled to vote for Obama because his approach seems to demonstrate greater tangible care and concern for marginalized people. However, Romney appears to have a more compelling and convincing plan (and ability) to help the economy and get America back to work.

For each of the items below there is not a single yes or no answer. I’d value hearing the nuanced pros and cons of each candidate’s approach.

Obama’s approach possesses direct concern for all people. His plan seeks to provide immediate relief to people. Romney’s approach possess indirect concern for all people. His plan seeks to provide eventual relief to people. Which approach is more sustainable in the long-run?
Obama’s approach leans more on the government to create (and sustain) jobs. Romney’s approach relies on the free market to create jobs. Should the government be more (or less) involved in creating jobs?
Obama seeks to protect people by regulating the market. Romney seeks to curtail market regulations. Market regulations protect people, but also make the market inefficient.
Romney offers a fiscal plan with (some) details that I can at least agree or disagree with. Obama does not offer much of a fiscal plan except to keep on keeping on with what we are doing. I understand that Romney’s plan has flaws, but what is Obama’s fiscal plan?
Obama seems to be unable to effectively work with Republicans. Romney seems to have been effective in working with Democrats. Romney’s potential for activity seems more promising than Obama’s likely inactivity.
Romney offers some semblance of a plan/direction. Obama fails to provide a clear vision of where he will take us. I want to vote for Obama, but I would like him to give me something to vote for.

As a side note, it’s refreshing that the two major hot button/polarizing issues, abortion and gay rights, have received minimal air time. Also, the lack of discussion about religion and politics is both noteworthy and refreshing as well.

I’m offering all of this without comment on my part. What would you say?

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