In reponse to Emily's comment I have to say that McCain most definitely has more to lose from this issue than Obama. McCain is very ambiguous on this subject and that makes him dangerous. In to response to Thomas's comment I say that at this point in time both candidates are as likely and not as likely to reform immigration. Both candidates have something to prove to this country.
I would have to say that McCain has done the most shifting in the immigration issue. In this election, McCain has been a supporter of finding a way to allow illegal aliens to remain in the U.S. Being a Senator from a border state, Arizona, I would say that he has to support it or else he might lose votes from his home state. However, back in 1986 he blatantly opposed a bill that granted such an amnesty to aliens. He told reporters later that he opposed this bill not because of its amnesty but because along with amnesty it provided stricter rules for employers for hiring aliens. McCain thought that this would bring in more discrimination towards the unskilled. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/03/mccain-on-immigration-wat_n_110708.html
At this point is seems that McCain is trying to choose between two types of voters: the voters who want amnesty and those who don't. My guess would be that McCain is trying to see which group is larger and then trying to convince them to support him. This puts him in a very dangerous position though. He is very likely to offend both parties and get neither of the voting groups' support. http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0608/11240.html
Obama on the other hand is very clear cut about what his position is, but his position is shallow because he does not have a lot of experience in immigration. This along with McCain's shiftiness puts both candidates at a loss. I will say this now, neither candidate will do much for the immigration. If either candidate does anything it will be to help the next president. I say this because half of me thinks that neither candidate can do anything that will really affect immigrants in the next four years they are in office and half of me thinks that the economic crisis is just too big to really do anything else. Voting for either candidate based upon the issue of immigration will just give you a major headache. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91323073
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
As the election nears, it seems reasonable for the candidates to gather votes by pandering. McCain's lack of a stance can translate to inaction if he is in office. If he cannot clearly explain his position now how can he make policy decisions if he is elected? I don't believe that obama's lack of experience makes his stance on immigration "shallow." The current leaders in the government who have spent years amidst the immigration crisis still do not have the issue resolved. I guess you could call them as having "failed experience." So is experience really necessary? Don't we need a "breathe of fresh air"?
-kevin wood
I have to agree with Kevin on the potential Obama has on handling immigration issues. Obviously, McCain's experience hasn't led him to that much of a greater understanding...it seems he merely supports immigration to gain support, which seems "shallow" if anything is. I do think your right in pointing out the current economic emphasis in the election, and that will of course recieve first priority. Throughout four years in office though, whoever is elected president will have to make decisions to help the U.S. in a variety of aspects, not just the economy. I don't think the issue will be forgotten, it might get pushed to the back burner temporarily but not for four years.
Duckblogger,
John McCain has done much shifting on many issues recently, and his positioning seems to be slightly populist, as you mention his attempt to garner the support of a larger group of voters. Both candidates, though, have alter their positions somewhat on quite a few issues, but who do you think has repositioned himself more overall? Also, which candidate do you think will be better at helping future Presidents in immigration?
Tommy
You probably are right in that our economy situation won't allow any true change in regards to immigration to be carried out reagardless of who becomes President(I really hope your wrong). But I think that given the change Obama would be a more promising candidate to handle the issue. I feel that McCain deals with it, but doesn't any true desire to come up with a reform for immigration. He deals with the issue just because votes depend on it.
Sorry forgot to ask... how much influence do immigrants really have in deciding who will become President?
Post a Comment