(Disclaimer: I come from a political family, have no intention of ever running for office and this is purely a hypothetical question.)
Let’s assume someone popular on the SDMB ran for a political office that suddenly became a hot-button election in a swing state.
The SDMB seems to have a fairly large network, meaning there could be:
Grass-roots support and an email campaign for family and friends in that voting district.
Although the SDMB doesn’t seem to be comprised of millionaires, money could be raised.
There is no lack of opinion, meaning the candidate could get feedback on policy that would normally cost a lot in polling.
Many have time to do research, and many are experts in their field to help create a strategy.
The SDMB is perfect training, especially in GD and the Pit, for any potential politician to perfect their policy.
So assuming someone from the SDMB ran for a political office that would be of state, or national importance, could the SDMB be a viable “party” that could help elect that person?
I have to say I would love a candidate that managed a SDMB seal of approval. I’d vote for him. But I doubt such a thing is possible. We’re not noted for conformity of opinion.
Seal of approval?! We can’t agree on words that end with -gry.
I don’t mean to imply everyone on the SDMB would lock arms and sing kumbaya, but I mean if there were really a candidate, someone who had similar goals to at least a majority of members. There are people on this board who might not agree on every issue I believe in, but I would still consider them to be worthy of my vote and support.
I think the SDMB’s viability as a political party would hinge on Cecli’s willingness to run for something. Since that would never happen (he’s to smart to get mixed up with those snakes), then then answer to your question is…
No.
Although you could agrue that the SDMBs are a hotbed for Libertarians. Or Libertines. I always get the two mixed up.
It could be done… Using evil magic and the corpses of existing politicians. It would have the arms of Ted Kennedy and the torso of Jeb Bush. We could get Hillary Clinton’s teeth, but Condi Rice’s lips.
That’s rather my point. Someone who could wring a general endorsement out of all here whould be a formidable fellow indeed. Worth watching…although, also, probably the Antichrist.
You’re right about that. I’m pretty sure that fictional characters that exist only as trademarks can’t hold office, even as representatives of the Internet Dork Party.
Well I think there is pretty broad support for a socially liberal platform. The major disagreement on this board typically relates to economic policy. Since both current parties are pretty close in economic policy we might have a chance if we just did the same thing they did.
Well, if the party would like to become multinational, I’d be willing to change my name to Cecil Adams, and run here in Canada.
I’m fiscally conservative (hello government employees traveling business class - don’t even think about it anymore unless you’re off to Asia), socially liberal (you want to get married to who? Does it affect my life? Then who gives a rat’s ass?), and willing to listen to any argument, because I might disagree with you, but opinions matter.
I think that’s the key for either country. As well, as my first political promise, I hereby pledge that any office budget, staffing, travel, really anything that I spend as an elected official would be available and open to public scrutiny. It’s not my money, it’s the public’s.
Also, one selfish demand, I would require an endorsement for my political blog (doesn’t exist since I’m not in politics) from Jacki Schechner on her internet report on CNN.
