Thoughts on 2010 Midterm Elections

Tomorrow is November 2, 2010, which is deemed as Midterm Elections Day. This is the day we will vote on those in congress and in our local offices. This vote is as critical (if not more critical) as the election of the president. In my view, especially this year, this vote is absolutely critical.

Let me start by talking about my own political philosophy. I consider myself a moderate democrat. I do not consider myself on either extreme of the political map (very liberal or very conservative). Traditionally I'm liberal on fiscal issues (welfare, economy, taxes, etc) and conservative on social issues (abortion, marriage, etc). I was raised in a home where everyone was democrats. Part of why I am a democrat is part of my upbringing, but because I support more policies in democrat party than republican party. Yet I am still open-minded about ideas in both parties.

Right now (as of November 1, 2010) projections show that Republicans will win the House and Democrats will remain in control of Senate. In my opinion, this does not serve well for Obama and his chances for a 2nd term IF AND ONLY IF the Dems and Repubs can't come together and compromise on anything. Some have already said that if they gain control on house there will be no compromise. You still have to wonder if this has anything to do with people not being able to stand a black man running the White House.

I believe that it will take a mixture of liberal AND conservative ideas to get economy back rolling. The problem I see in congress is that everyone thinks that their political philosophy is absolutely right and the other side is absolutely wrong. There are pros and cons for both political philosophies. As I was discussing with a friend on twitter, this is why I really wish a 3rd party movement would sprout up in some way in this country.

My biggest problem is why is it that people expect the economy to be better within just 2 years. I mean it took about 9 years or so for the economy to get better when FDR was president (this was the time that blacks started supporting democrats more). In my opinion, I think Obama deserves 2 terms (and if that amendment hadn't been placed after FDR, 3 terms). However, I do not see Obama as a 2 term president UNLESS unemployment drops, there are some signs of economic progress (related to jobs) AND/OR Dems and Repubs work together on some major economic issues. If Republicans take over at least one chamber of congress, he's a 1 term president. If Republicans take over entire congress, he's a 1 term president.

Regardless of your political persuasion, please vote on November 2, 2010! Too many people suffered and died for us to have the right to vote. Let your voice be heard and once elections are over, let us WORK TOGETHER TO SOLVE THE ECONOMIC & OTHER MAJOR ISSUES OF OUR TIME!!!