Mike Huckabee may have thrown the first punch on Super Tuesday, but it will be a mistake for Republicans to abandon John McCain. It would be like South Africa flooding the diamond market - a sure-fire way to make a quick buck, but the bill would eventually come in the form of a price drop and downfall of the most effective political cartel, or a coalition of political or special-interest groups having a common cause, in history. What does that have to do with anything? I'll be joining a cartel soon. Hopefully, you will too. When I cast a ballot this November, I fully hope my cartel will flex its might and elect our candidates to office. The two-party system is oft maligned in America, but I can't fathom any other system. For argument, let's assume there were four major players running, all approximately equal in the polls. I'm more than happy to sacrifice a few low-priority issues if I believe my candidate could merge with another candidate's supporters and easily overwhelm the remaining contenders. Basically, I'd love to ensure a candidate that shares my top priorities wins even if it means electing someone with a different opinion on less pertinent issues. I'll take the guaranteed something, especially if it means the opposition will be left with a guaranteed nothing. And, like South Africa selling diamonds on the side, breaking ranks will only hurt us. In 2000, Ralph Nader cannibalized enough liberal votes in Florida to change the outcome of the election, the next eight years and beyond. It's important to note that the idea of a cartel as a political tool has its double edge. And that edge has already cut Democrats and threatens to shred the Republican advantage. The original concept of mutual sacrifice and prioritization of ideals to select a candidate to carry the majority. In this primary system, however, both parties are damaging their top overall contenders in lieu of candidates who fit the ideals of their cartel, but not the general populace. Both sides are failing to consider a key component of the system: swing voters. No matter how strong your party, it is unlikely you control a majority of the vote. You must appeal to your party and enough indecisive voters to shift the balance of power in your favor. Democrats ousted John Edwards, who matched up most effectively against the major Republican candidates. In fact, a Rasmussen Reports poll had him as the only major Democratic candidate beating McCain in a heads-up poll. In the most recent poll? Obama is down by three points, Clinton six. This week, Mitt Romney called on conservatives to rally around him, and well-known pundits including Rush Limbaugh, Laura Ingraham, Hugh Hewitt and Lars Larson spoke out against McCain. Should they succeed in derailing the Straight Talk Express, they'll be making the same mistake as the Democrats. Even conservatives that like Rush Limbaugh must understand he has some idealistic and unreasonable viewpoints. It would be like a liberal voting for whoever Michael Moore or Al Franken suggested. Sure, you can be greedy, sell your diamonds and demand to have a candidate who thinks just like you. But if you shoot for all, remember the other side of the coin: nothing. If Republicans want to shoot themselves in the foot, be my guest - Romney trails both Obama and Clinton by seven points.
The Daily Gamecock > Viewpoints
Parties should value ideals over figures
Current factions among Republicans, Democrats obstruct political goals
Published: Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Updated: Sunday, September 6, 2009
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