Two Parties, and Neither of Them Appealing

This post isn't like the ones that precede it.  There's no news topic to write about, or some strong opinion on a current event to argue - this is just a rhetorical stream of consciousness.  I enjoy following politics - foreign policy, economics, law, etc.  But I'm new to it all and I really don't know much about it compared to many other people.  And as my political beliefs continue to mold, one thing I can't seem to figure out, unfortunately, is what party do I belong to?  Or should it even matter?  In the United States... it usually does.

I am continuously baffled by the two-party system.  It seems to cause more problems in politics than solutions.  It closes off people's minds to possible centrist, pragmatic beliefs that cater to both ends of the political spectrum.  Furthermore, for someone like myself, it leaves people lost in purgatory, with no place to call home, and no support from any party.  It shouldn't be a problem for someone to appreciate Obama's stand on gay rights, while also supporting Bush's education legislation, while believing in Romney when he says that we need to focus on the private sector, all while agreeing with Ron Paul when he says he wants to shrink the military.  But if I ran on a campaign platform that supported all these, I'd be scrutinized as a flip-flopper, just trying to serve both parties all while being hypocritical.

Why?  Because I appreciate aspects of both Democrats AND Republicans?  What's so bad about that?  If that's what I truly believe in then why can't I run on those policies?  Having only two parties that, despite not admitting it, pride themselves on purposely disagreeing with their political opponents causes politicians to not run on what they believe in.  Look at someone like Romney for example - priding his time spent as the governor of Massachusetts on passing universal health care, and previously was somewhat accepting to abortion and gay rights.  Once he's seen as a possible representative of the Republican party, those go right out the window, because that's not what Republicans want.  Busch league... that's what that is.  I have written in support of Romney in past posts but this type of conforming to "establishment GOP" is annoying.

The two party system is set in stone; we'll never see it leave American politics.  It's unique in it's nature and is not duplicated in any other representative government anywhere else in the world.  Perhaps that's why other republics don't have as high disapproval ratings as the United States,  Politicians like Ron Paul, who don't toe party lines, are few and far between.  Independents don't find that same success as Dems or Reps because they don't have the support.  It's unfortunate.  But get used to it, because it's here to stay.

Santorum's Surge

Flipping back and forth between the Allstate Sugar Bowl and the Iowa Caucus coverage on CNN isn't appealing to most people.  It'd be like rushing home from the toy store to go to the dentist.  But it interests me, so it's all good.  Both were very intriguing to watch unfold, and I must say, the Sugar Bowl was between two teams that didn't belong there and Virginia Tech should have won the game.  It was embarrassing.  Now let me get off one soap box and step up onto another.

I have been stupefied throughout this entire Republican Presidential race considering I did not see anyone as a clear cut favorite.  Each week a different person was ahead in the polls.  But I've been sitting on this hunch that America, despite all it's negative rhetoric aimed at President Obama, simply isn't ready to become conservative.  I find Americans to be too scared, yes I said it, "scared" of what the outcome will be.  They claim they want all these changes away from the crazy black guy in office but, in reality, Americans would be petrified of what an Evangelical conservative would change in their social lives.

And my hunch seemed almost correct last night, where I assumed Rick Perry and Michelle Bachmann would bomb and have to leave the race early.  Ron Paul even further proved my hunch correct by finishing in a strong third and capturing almost HALF the vote of 19-27 year old voters.  I felt like an expert for a slight moment, but then Rick Santorum had to come in and spoil all the fun.  With a tremendous effort by the Pennsylvania Senator, visiting all 99 counties in Iowa, and hosting 381 town meetings, all while not spending ridiculous amounts of money (it cost Romney $156 per vote and Santorum only $21 for almost the same amount), he became the resurgent candidate, just being beaten out by Mitt Romney in the end, which by all accounts, is a still a victory.

Santorum is becoming popular because he appeals to the American public emotionally, much like President Obama did in 2008.  He moves you when he speaks, inspires even, and people like that out of their leader.  But are his policies and ideologies too conservative for America?  According to my hunch, they are.  For Pete's sake the guy is against birth control!  These are the types of policies I don't think America is ready for, despite wanting to become more conservative.  Santorum brings a lot of positivity to the race, and he seems like a great guy, but is he really what the American people want?  I think they just want someone who's a little more vanilla than Obama.  Someone who can appeal to both sides of the political spectrum.  Someone with a business sense.  Okay, you get it, and I've said it a hundred times, Romney is still the safe pick and he is still the favorite in this race.  South Carolina will be interesting, where Romney is running a double digit deficit in the polls and Santorum may be able to pick up more Evangelical voters but for now, it's on to New Hampshire for a guaranteed win for Mitt, and two states down in his run for the Republican candidacy.