What was the #1 political issue that influenced your vote today?
918769
The sorry leadership of George Bush and the war.
548611
Politics affect every aspect of your life from healthcare to the prices you pay for goods and services to crime levels. It affects life and death when countries go to war and medication available by the policies it makes.\nIt affects the law and punishments it even affects the media.\nLaws are created by politicians such as the legal age to drink alcohol.\nPolitics affects how schools are run and the amount of and work charities can do, or the countries we get the oranges from we buy in the shops.\n\nPolitics affects everything I could go on and on but I think I'd best stop here
731870
I voted first thing this morning!  The lines were pitifully short, and I really hope it picks up.  \n\nThe link below has info on polling places, hours, and sample ballots for every district in the entire country.\n\nVOTE!!!
952168
Currently, the best thing about politics is we are seeing a lot of true colors across the board. Politicians that are solid are starting to rise above.\n\nThe biggest problem with politics is the average voter is emotionally attached to their party.
249813
I've only been involved in 3 votes, my first I voted Republican just because that is how my dad raised me, but going to college educated me and now I do research and make informed decisions based on the candidate that shares my views on what I deem to be the most important issues (U.S.A.)
813654
Thank you for sharing your epiphany with modern day politics.  I once had the highest regard for our political powers based on what I learned from the history of our founding fathers as we all have learned and I have come to the same conclusion.  The reality of the matter is that politics is everything whether we like it or not. The stroke of a pen from a leader represents a decision for the masses even if the paperwork does not represent our thoughts and beliefs to the fullest extent. That is why we must stay on top of the game and elect our leaders as skillfully as possible.  Knowing your political roots and being able to distinguish between the issues is a self taught philosophy that your social standing forces you to entertain.  Be patient.  Be informed.  Inform others.  We shall overcome!!
777111
The war and battles...US and Iraq...this country and that....too much.\nI voted Democrat and hopefully make a change, only time will tell.
811762
Gay Marriage and flag burning...the usual ones that the GOP brings to the ballot box to help their chances.  Neither of these issues means jack crap in the grand scheme of things.  Not one American would be hurt or affected by either issue.
941803
Voters, for one. To some degree, the economy. Random events, disasters [man-made and otherwise], acts of nature, etc. Also, other governments--their views, actions, etc--can influence policy, as well.
26334
I have voted in all Federal State and Local elections since I became eligible in 1996, but living in Alabama my primary vote is usless (some would say my democrat votes in general elections in this state are usless as well). Mine is the first generation to be totally disallusioned in the process. We grew up in the aftermath of Watergate and it has been nothing but scandal ever since. We have never had a strong national leader that speaks to us, and even if we did I don't believe we would trust him or her. My generation has never had a feeling of empowerment in society that WWII, and the Anti-War movement in the 60's and 70's gave previous generations. We feel left behind and that nothing we do can change it, which is why the boomers will rule into their 90's. God help us all.
713568
I, personally, take it very seriously. I voted today, went with my 20 years old son. When I leave the polling place I feel like I've let my voice be heard and done my duty as an American citizen. I know it sounds corny and will probably get blasted by someone on here, but I mean it. I love this country and thank GOD that we have the privilege and right to vote!
516214
My daughters, my freedom (though this is continually threatened by the religious right and the politicians that they are in bed with), all of nature, and life itself.\n\nOneChess
676469
HUGE impact.  There are proved studies that show how much influence the media actually have over an election decision.
248987
Republican.  I do vote for the best candidate or issue based on their own merit.  I am not a "Party Line" guy.
79610
specify the debate topic please...if you have to make one up i would say either birth control/abortion rights, women's rights/feminism, the necessity of the war in iraq, or same-sex marriage/homosexiality...all of which are good topics which could create a nice debate
536375
Can I say all three?\n\nI tend to follow state and federal politics more because the decisions made there seem to affect the local(city/county) government in a lot of ways.\n\nFederal politics definitely makes more headlines than the state government,so it is the easiest to keep up with what is going on on a daily basis. \n\nState politics I have to say,I keep up with what I can and make sure I let my opinions be known if I strongly agree or disagree with something.\n\nLocal politics are usually pretty easy going. If something is on a referendum,I will vote my opinion though. If something arises in between elections though,it is pretty hard to jump in. Just go to the city council meetings to voice your concerns or opinions,but they have some sneaky ways of getting things passed sometimes without the public knowing about it...\nThe schools are really an issue right now,with declining enrollment and lay-offs of teachers and staff...Going to the school board meetings are the only way to get the facts usually and to again,voice your opinion.\n\nAs to why it is said that all politics are local:\nI would have to say because they all affect us in one way or another and they all work together from the school system to the president,they're intertwined at some point along the way.
1014463
We are the government. If you want to make a difference vote. Keep up to date on politics. Know what's going on around you. Education is the key. If you want things to get better educate yourself and your children.