Editorial

Voters would like to have it both ways

Monday, September 29, 2008

When our country was first founded, the top vote-getter for president got the job; the second place candidate became vice president.

According to a Zogby International poll, a lot of people would like to be able to pick and choose today, selecting one candidate for one job, and another for other duties.

According to an online survey of 2,331 likely voters nationwide, Sen. Barack Obama was perceived to be a more competent manager by 46 percent compared to 40 percent for Sen. John McCain.

Sixty-one percent thought McCain would be best at commanding the military, to 29 percent for Obama, but 47 percent thought Obama would understand ordinary people better than McCain, who was favored by 34 percent.

Forty-six percent thought Obama would be a better problem solver to 42 percent for McCain, and 40 percent thought McCain would be better at having Christian values than Obama, who was favored by 36 percent.

Naturally enough, the poll found consistent differences based on age, religion and race, with older, more religious and white voters favoring McCain. Also, McCain was consistently preferred by those in families earning $75,000 to $100,000.

By contrast, Obama won more support on most questions from younger respondents, less affluent voters and minority respondents, and among those less likely to attend church services.

One question the poll didn't address; are any of these factors important enough that we should base our votes on them?

We think not. Let's hope the voters choose the best candidate for the job, whether or not he's someone who looks or talks like them.

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