For both sides of the political debate in the US

[Rapscallion]

I've got to say I've seen a huge swathe of vitriol aimed at candidates on both sides of the US election system. Very negative campaigning going on.

I'd like to ask people on both sides of the US divide if there's anyone at all on the other side that you can respect, for whatever reason.

Rapscallion

[Nekojin]

The problem with this statement is the presumption that there are only two sides in the US political system. While there are only two parties and two candidates (for all practical purposes), there's a significant and growing group of voters who are completely dissatisfied with the choices being presented. The left - the true left, not the Democrats, who happen to be right of center - are almost completely unrepresented. The only candidates that we have that even remotely speak to liberals are out in loony-land (Green party, et al) and can't hope to win anything much larger than a Mayorship.

So what are our choices? Refuse to vote in "protest", and have things decided for us? Hold our noses and vote for the less-offensive candidate? Vote for a candidate that has a statistically zero chance of winning?

I'm looking for real choices here, and I'm not finding any. And I'm not even that liberal...

[HYHYBT]

Since you said "people" rather than "candidates" or "politicians," yes, there are lots of them.

[Rapscallion]

Well, let's go for candidates, then. It's a fair point - are there any active politicians you can respect on the opposing side?

Rapscallion

[Fire_on_High]

You can respect them as a person or respect the office they hold while completely and utterly disagreeing with what they stand for.

I have more respect for someone who holds beliefs or views completely opposite of mine, but sticks firmly to them even when it's embarrassing or inconvenient to do so, than someone who panders or acts out of expedience.

I'm also betting there are a lot of pols who I completely disagree with, but would consider awesome folks if I knew them as a a person.

Edit: And to address the precise question asked. I disagree completely with Obamacare, but I have to admit I respect Obama himself for sticking to it, in spite of all the flung poo.

[Gravekeeper]

Well, let's go for candidates, then. It's a fair point - are there any active politicians you can respect on the opposing side?

That's a hard hard one presently. The US media likes its furious masturbation to false equvalancy ( Both Sides Are Bad(tm) ) when they really aren't. The GOP is fucking despicable at this point to put it mildly and Romney is a god damn sociopath.

I may not agree with Obama on everything he does, but I respect the guy because I honestly believe he's doing what he really thinks is best for the country. I don't get that impression from any current Republicans. They're so obsessed with destroying the other side rather than trying to prove why they're better than the other side. Their message isn't "We have a better idea" its "The black guy didn't completely fix the mess we made in 8 years in a 4 year term, so obviously he's a failure and you should let us back in".

Some of the things I see on TV from the GOP these days are literally insane. Like worrisome this person any sort of political power insane.

Even Republicans I use to respect if not agree with have sold themselves out to the hate and the craziness.

If I had to name anyone, I don't know, Huntsman maybe? He seems to be one of the few Republicans looking around right now and going "Jesus Christ, what the fuck are you guys doing?".

And to address the precise question asked. I disagree completely with Obamacare

How so? Honestly, what managed to pass through GOP obstruction is a pretty pale shadow of what Obamacare could have been.

[protege]

GK, both sides are trying to destroy each other. They don't give a shit about the country.

[Greenday]

GK, both sides are trying to destroy each other. They don't give a shit about the country.

It makes you wonder. Did they ever care about what happens to the country?

[Gravekeeper]

GK, both sides are trying to destroy each other. They don't give a shit about the country.

Hmm, no, the false equivalence doesn't fly anymore at this point. I don't see Democrats on TV every day saying things that are quite literally fucking insane. If not outright lying constantly or being staggeringly ignorant. -.-

I mean Jesus Christ, Liz Cheney just went on Fox and accused Obama of abandoning Czechoslovakia.

[protege]

GK, you need to quit watching Fox News. That shit will rot your brain

I too haven't seen many Democrats on the news lately. Most of what is on...are various organizations posting their half-truths about either side.

[Hyena Dandy]

I've got some respect for Elizabeth Warren here in Massachusetts, as well as for the guy running for State Senate, Mike Barrett.

[Mytical]

Rather then talk about the issues, rather then sit down and give straight answers..politicians have learned that if you make the other guy 'the big bad' they tend to win the election. So billions of dollars get spent on slinging so much mud that people can't see that neither side has really any answers. Both sides seem willing to let the country burn rather then let the other side perceive to have a victory.

Of the two choices now, I'll go with Obama. *shrugs* As for who I trust..none of the above.

[daleduke17]

Of the two choices now, I'll go with Obama. *shrugs* As for who I trust..none of the above.

There are more than two choices in the United States Presidential race.

[HYHYBT]

Not in any real sense, no, there aren't.

[daleduke17]

Not in any real sense, no, there aren't.

How is there not. There are four total parties registered in enough states to get the proper number of electoral votes. The fact that any of the major networks will not allow them into the debates, report on them or even acknowledge them is a major problem in the country.