What scares you...or excites you about the 2016 elections?

2015-05-25T16:19:29-04:00

The 2016 campaign cycle kicks into gear this summer. Regardless of your political persuasion, what either worries you or gets you excited about the 2016 national elections? Why?

Response by PO3 David Fries made May 25 at 2015 4:21 PM

2015-05-25T16:21:48-04:00

"Meet the new boss, same as the old boss".

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 25 at 2015 4:23 PM

2015-05-25T16:23:16-04:00

Response by PO1 Kerry French made May 25 at 2015 4:26 PM

2015-05-25T16:26:36-04:00

What scares me is that the Socialist or communist will win and finish off America.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 25 at 2015 4:29 PM

2015-05-25T16:29:37-04:00

More coruption by Corporate Interests and those that Openly Overtly Prostitute their opinion to them.

Response by PO1 Kerry French made May 25 at 2015 4:31 PM

2015-05-25T16:31:33-04:00

That the RNC will pick Jeb Bush and hand the Democrats the win and we get either Hitlery or Bernie Socialist.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2015 4:32 PM

2015-05-25T16:32:38-04:00

All of it scares me. A two party system our forefathers told us we should never settle into.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 25 at 2015 4:40 PM

2015-05-25T16:40:17-04:00

Is there really that much or a difference between Coke and Pepsi?

The President's actual Power isn't that much. It's Congress' Power and a President of the same Party that one needs to be worried more about than anything else.

When it really boils down to it, it does not matter who wins the White House, as long as BOTH houses of Congress are not the same Party.

Our Government is literally designed to "not function." It's specifically designed in such a way that things slow to a crawl normally, and when you have opposing parties in opposite houses, that slows more. When you have a President working at cross purposes, it grinds to a halt. We've seen this over the last decade.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing.

An Active Legislature can be a very bad thing. An inactive Legislature can't really mess things up (more).

But back to the Presidency. The real Power of the Presidency is the Power to appoint Justices. Not just to SCOTUS, but to lower Federal levels as well (who get in line to become SCOTUS eventually). Who is in line to retire (and or die)? That's the question to ask.

As it stands now, we've got a SCOTUS with a pretty even ideology split (keeping in mind they generally vote the same 9/0 on MOST things). There are just a few "single voter" issues where they have different views.

Response by Cpl John Salerno made May 25 at 2015 5:31 PM

2015-05-25T17:31:46-04:00

The biggest thing that worries me, is that we end up with another term of democrats, like obama ( through a clinton or warren). The party who takes benefits from the military, remember Chuck hagel, when on May 2013, he said that there needs to be cuts in service members benefits and pay. This article was also in military.com's site on Dec. 2013. While he sits on his ass with a net worth of $5,000,000. Democrats who want to reduce us down to pre WW2 status. We have increased terrorist activities, and more terrorists are being released from Gitmo. The same party that screwed up the VA. While Veterans were dying, and still have long wait times. No one was held accountable, or fired. All this while we are looking at an ever growing Chinese and Russian military, a nuclear Iran who shouts "DEATH TO AMERICA". obama said if you do something for 20 years and it does not work, try something else. Seems that the democrats have had control of the military since Viet Nam, I guess now in, 2016, is time to try some one else.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made May 25 at 2015 6:22 PM

2015-05-25T18:22:35-04:00

What excites me is that the Republicans have some very good choices, men and women who have excelled at governing at the state level and managing successful businesses. (Unlike our current President who came to the office with no applicable experience or achievements.)

What annoys me is that the Republicans have some very bad candidates. They could do the job if they could get elected but generally follow the GOP tradition of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

What worries me is that the Democrats only have candidates who subscribe to the ideology of the Left which is an anathema to the Constitution and individual liberty.

What scares me is the a Leftist will again gain the White House and the GOP, even if it retains control of Congress, won't be able to overcome their tendency to drift left thinking that's what the people want.

Response by Sgt Jerami Ballard made May 25 at 2015 6:45 PM

2015-05-25T18:45:38-04:00

That no matter who wins, our rights will lose.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2015 11:30 PM

2015-05-25T23:30:23-04:00

The thought that it's going to be another bought and paid for Democrat or another bought and paid for Republican... I just hope third parties can get enough support this election to move them toward a seat at the political table.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made May 25 at 2015 11:44 PM

2015-05-25T23:44:26-04:00

The amount of money being dumped into this election by people who give a shit only about enriching themselves scares me. The clown car forming up on the Right scares me. The opposite problem in the Left scares me.

But mostly what scares me is the enormous amount of hatred and propaganda the average American is sucking down. No matter what happens, we will be happily divided further and pointing the finger at the other guy.

I'm not sure what excited me. I'm decidedly meh about most of the candidates and any actual moderates don't have a chance in hell of winning a primary.

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 26 at 2015 12:33 AM

2015-05-26T00:33:48-04:00

Hillary scares me...

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made May 26 at 2015 1:30 AM

2015-05-26T01:30:18-04:00

The corruption at the ballot box. Too many elections that go against exit polls and no oversight because of "proprietary software".

Response by PO1 Jason Taylor made May 26 at 2015 5:05 AM

2015-05-26T05:05:50-04:00

Like South Park stated " no one cares because it's always between a giant douche and a turd sandwich" so no matter how it turns out it will never be good!

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 5:52 AM

2015-05-26T05:52:26-04:00

I don't really get scared or excited for elections these days...just disgruntled. Thanks for the two-party system America.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made May 26 at 2015 6:18 AM

2015-05-26T06:18:08-04:00

What I fear most is that we will have another President who will again not do anything to better this country.

Response by PO3 David Fries made May 26 at 2015 6:29 AM

2015-05-26T06:29:48-04:00

To add to my original comment; the thing that scares me more and more every election is the lack of education on the part of the voters.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 26 at 2015 6:31 AM

2015-05-26T06:31:13-04:00

SSDD.

I actually wrote a pretty detailed missive on this under another thread, but it got deleted. It was very clever and drew all kinds of sarcastic parallels to the Roman Republic. Maybe I'll reproduce it again at some point.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made May 26 at 2015 6:51 AM

2015-05-26T06:51:55-04:00

That someone will win.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 7:21 AM

2015-05-26T07:21:53-04:00

Unlimited secret contributions from corporations, and the ultra-wealthy, the further erosion of the American Dream by congress acting as pawn for the people that bought them, the increased flood of lies, increased hate speech in the form of religious rhetoric, further intolerance for women...and lots of bat-shit crazy blatherings from any campaign hopeful. Not to mention the low amount of actual news reported will drop even further, and the headlines will be full of gaffes made to be news. I hate election season. Bah humbug!

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 26 at 2015 9:03 AM

2015-05-26T09:03:35-04:00

Nothing scares me, for the most part, I have my own views in politics, but none have affected me no matter what president we've had.

Response by SSgt Charles Edwards made May 26 at 2015 9:05 AM

2015-05-26T09:05:30-04:00

What scares me? Having another idiot running this country.

Response by TSgt Rafael Lebron made May 26 at 2015 9:15 AM

2015-05-26T09:15:00-04:00

It is too early to say which candidate would be a good leader, which is the most important thing that our country needs at this time, but I can assure you that having Hillary as a candidate scares the hell out of me

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 11:17 AM

2015-05-26T11:17:12-04:00

I am sick and tired of the default theory. In otherwords what liberals are saying, Hillary is as good as anyone and hey, let's f-up the military more. Under this administration and the lies of the left here is where we are. China, Russia and N. Korea are getting bolder.

So do not lay that B.S. down here. Stop lying and empowering people who do not give a rat's azz who suffers and especially as it regards National Security.

Response by SGT Lawrence Corser made May 26 at 2015 12:42 PM

2015-05-26T12:42:17-04:00

The amount of chuckle heads we as a country will have to deal with, first the tons of commercials and ads everywhere then the people who think they actually matter when they vote. unless you are in the majority of your region it doesnt.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made May 26 at 2015 2:31 PM

2015-05-26T14:31:57-04:00

Enough said!

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made May 26 at 2015 5:33 PM

2015-05-26T17:33:56-04:00

I do not have much positive to say about the 2016 elections. Neither party is really offering anything other than the same ole crap in a new package.
I use to like Ted Cruz, but after watching how he had to do the silver tongue devil tap dance on a Fox News program, I discovered he is no better than Hillary "what does it matter" Clinton.

I cannot trust any politician that has preached one thing up until now, and is suddenly changing what they think. This has nothing to do with a sudden revelation from God. They all go with the polls.

Our political system is going to be the death of our country.

On a bright note, there may emerge someone worthy that has a spine to stand up and tell the truth instead of blowing smoke up our behinds.

Put these petty issue aside that seem to dominate public discussions. Every solution to the countries woes that I have heard paints this yellow brick road picture of how good it will be if we follow it. Well, we all know what was at the end of the yellow brick road...A LIE" There is going to have to be some tough decisions made, and they are not going to be painless. It is the only way this country will get out from under the mountain of debt.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made May 26 at 2015 9:16 PM

2015-05-26T21:16:13-04:00

I don't know if i should be scare or excited, I guess i have to wait til 2016.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made May 26 at 2015 10:49 PM

2015-05-26T22:49:32-04:00

That Obama is going to make an executive action and make himself president for life.

Response by Sgt Cody Dumont made May 27 at 2015 12:21 PM

2015-05-27T12:21:08-04:00

What scares me the most, Hilary might win.

Response by TSgt David Holman made May 27 at 2015 1:17 PM

2015-05-27T13:17:03-04:00

#H word

Response by SFC William Farrell made May 27 at 2015 2:11 PM

2015-05-27T14:11:38-04:00

That the American public would be foolish enough to elect Billary Clinton just as they did the current occupant of the White House!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 5:09 PM

2015-05-27T17:09:10-04:00

Hillary scares me, yet excites me at the same time. Her husband was great at negotiating and improved our countries economy while in office. If she uses him and his experience to be an advisor, then she would be a GREAT president. However, if she doesn't, then scary for all of us.

Response by SN Earl Robinson made May 27 at 2015 5:13 PM

2015-05-27T17:13:38-04:00

Bat shit crazy republicans!

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made May 27 at 2015 8:39 PM

2015-05-27T20:39:29-04:00

Politics aside, I am excited that I will get to vote! Conversely, I am scared of who will appear on the ballot.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 9:01 PM

2015-05-27T21:01:45-04:00

The fact that none of the favorites on either side of the aisle have served, have no clue how the military operates, and the fact that we, as a nation, will still be just as divided as we are now...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 9:48 PM

2015-05-27T21:48:23-04:00

What scares me? Having to suffer another 4 to 8 years under a leader that can't lead a horse to water and only causes divisiveness among our citizens regardless of political affiliation.

What excites me? NOTHING!!!!!!!!

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made May 27 at 2015 11:20 PM

2015-05-27T23:20:37-04:00

Not at all exited this cycle. We have a dearth of leaders...both parties.

Response by SPC Christian Ziegler made May 27 at 2015 11:21 PM

2015-05-27T23:21:32-04:00

Hillary Clinton pisses me off, she does not have the right to be our President after What her ass did and then saying its in the past. To her our lives don't matter and she has proven that, so she can go strait to hell. Scouts Out

Response by CPL Brian Clouser made May 28 at 2015 11:42 AM

2015-05-28T11:42:08-04:00

Obama not stepping down from office no matter which party wins Beside that another Clinton in the White House scares the hell out of me

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 28 at 2015 11:59 AM

2015-05-28T11:59:59-04:00

The "takers" scare me. In the last presidential election, the voters who I call "takers" voted a progressive democrat in for a second term. They ignored his failed record on employment and the economy--not to mention the foreseeable negative effects of the Affordable Care Act. Those who believed the current Administration would give them something for free (house, phone, food, medical care, etc.) through Government programs showed up at the poles and voted for Mr Obama.

The "makers," people who work for a living and pay taxes, didn't show up in large enough numbers to oust the incumbent President and his administration. Exactly why is the subject for another discussion.

My fear is the takers will show up in large numbers and vote for the candidate that promises to give away the most from the Federal coffers. (Remember 47% of Americans receive some type of assistance from a Government program.) Takers don't know or don't care that the Government's money is money taken from their fellow American's earnings. To paraphrase Ms. Thacher, Socialism is a great idea until you run out of other peoples' money.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 28 at 2015 12:23 PM

2015-05-28T12:23:58-04:00

It will be numb nuts vs numb nuts.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 12:54 PM

2015-05-28T12:54:05-04:00

Is it bad I would just like to see an honest AMERICAN win in 2016? Sure they are all Americans but not all really have/show American values. Its all some side agenda they seem to have. I can't really recall where our elected leaders really want their constituents opinions and either vote/sign/veto along some ridiculous party line, or their own personal agenda. I'd love to see someone who cares about the population, specifically those who are either natural born or legally here. There should be no benefit for coming to America illegally, they should just be sent back where they came from.

That's what I hope for and can get excited about, im just worried like others have said, the same shit different day. I personally don't want to see Hilary get elected, to many shadows around that candidate. Ideally I would like to see the likes of Santorum, Paul, Carson or even a mix of them get elected. Heck I think Trump wouldn't be horrible if he decided to run. He knows and understands economics and I don't think he would "be in someone's pocket".

Here's to our Americans!

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made May 28 at 2015 6:33 PM

2015-05-28T18:33:25-04:00

Hillary Clinton getting elected President and Bill taking up residence with all the White House Interns!

Response by Sgt Israel Zinns made May 29 at 2015 1:43 AM

2015-05-29T01:43:05-04:00

Not really scared, but annoyed that TV, radio, and Internet will all be flooded with BS ads from super PACs. I hate the Citizen's United decision not only for sanctioning lobbyists to influence politics, but for annoying the shit out of me with the endless ads!

Response by SPC Carl K. made May 30 at 2015 8:27 PM

2015-05-30T20:27:46-04:00

What scares me? A Hillary Clinton/Jeb Bush general election. What excites me? Dr. Ben Carson.

Response by SFC Michael C. Dismuke made May 31 at 2015 4:15 AM

2015-05-31T04:15:15-04:00

What scares me? The one with the most money wins. Then they grant their supporters what ever wish they desire, like a magic Genie. There is no patriotism in their service. They don't look at the consequences of their actions. People put these morons from both parties with the miss-belief that no harm will happen to our country, that government is too big to fail. Personally I think half of our legislatures should be former Military with an understanding of National Security, and the other half economist, and they all should be required to have an 800 or better credit score and know what a budget is. You cant spend what you don’t have. Every election I ask myself, 'of all the people out there, it has come down to these idiots'? Further, they should get rid of the party system, these two parties run adds defacing each other up until the primaries, then the 'winning' primary candidate has to spend the rest of the campaign trying to explain why he's not the looser that his former running mates say they are. Just let the best person win. My .02, maybe .00

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jun 25 at 2015 4:13 PM

2015-06-25T16:13:55-04:00

As somewhat of a political junkie, I'm looking forward to just watching the process unfold. Seeing the politicians twist and contort on various issues, in obvious attempts to chase voting blocs, is incredibly entertaining. However, the rancid and hate-filled rhetoric, that serves no role besides pandering to the bases, is what I certainly don't enjoy.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Sep 19 at 2015 10:56 AM

2015-09-19T10:56:04-04:00

What scares me?? Hillary Clinton

What excites me?? Nothing anymore ..part of the aging process I guess??

Thanx for asking Chaplain ...& good to see you here on RP....

Response by Cpl Matthew Wall made Sep 19 at 2015 9:48 PM

2015-09-19T21:48:04-04:00

I think there are some interesting concepts about this campaign. Dems always say that they help the minorities, yet all their candidates are or will be old white people. Reps have a lot of minorities running in their campaign. Another odd thing is that the leading people in the Rep primaries are not former or current politicians. Trump, Carson, and Fiorina are leading the pack. I think people are finally tired of the BS that has come out of establishment candidates and the status quo in Washington. I would love to hear about term limits from these people. Another unique thing is that they are not all lock step on beliefs or ideas. Abortion beliefs are different amongst the Rep candidates. How to fix taxes is different. Education is different. It is nice to see that for a change instead of looking for a needle in a haystack on what separates these people.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Sep 19 at 2015 9:52 PM

2015-09-19T21:52:09-04:00

CH (MAJ) William Beaver the fact that a bloviating jackass like Trump could poll so favorably.