Posted January 6th, 2009.
Over recent years, changing their minds on an issue can be a dangerous thing - flip-flopping - for a candidate. Many evidently see it as being indecisive. But isn't it important to be able to hear good arguments, admit you were wrong and have conceded to a better way or change depending on new circumstances that affect any situation? What do you think about candidates that change their positions on an issue?Call them a flip-flop to their face, that would work, and say nothing behind their back, confront them. Don't judge anyone.I agree 100%. That's what I found frustrating during last nights debates. It seems to be considered a character flaw to rethink even complex issues over time. I see it as being inflexible and is one of my biggest problems with Bush. I want a president who is not afraid to rethink a policy it if the situation on the ground changes.Sure, if they admitted they were wrong in the first place but most of them go with the flow and their answers are based on what seems to be politically correct at the present. Did you notice Hillary last night, changing her position on Iran?I would expect someone to possibly change their minds on issues if and when more / better information is revealed. The better educated on issues candidates are, the better able they are to make a good decision. If that means changing their minds, fine. If they go back and forth depending on who they're speaking in front of, then that's dangerous because you don't know where they really stand. It's okay to say "Hey I was misinformed and now I feel this way". Everyone does that at one time or another. It shows we have open minds and are better informed about something and can make an intelligent decision.I think everyone has the right to change their mind, as we grow we sometimes do that. But to deny that they ever said the former is just wrong. That one may be attempting a con game...It depends on if they changed their mind because of new information or facts they have received or changed their mind to appease the polls or opinion of the day.
I give credit to any candidate or any person as far as that goes that receives new or different information on an issue and is willing to change instead of staying the course for the sake of not wanting to look like they were wrong or feel they need to appeal to a broader base.Some people don't admit their wrong and deny changing their views.If you do it during the debate on a bill or other government policy when it is being proposed then this is a good thing. When you do it just to get elected then you are being a professional politician and that is the same thing in my book as a pathological liar. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.!!!!I think the term flip flop is overused.
I myself have changed my mind on several issues.
As long as it does not change their core value system or it is not a hot button issue for me I am fine with it.i wish bush would've flip flopped over this terrible war.A candidate who cannot learn and grow, or adapt to a new challange should not be in a leadership position. The real question is one of character - whether a candidate can be trusted. That is easier to judge: Do they keep their personal and public commitments? Do they keep their campaign promises? Do they have the necessary skills? Do they hold themselves to a high moral standard? Are they humble enough to evaluate the ideas of others as well as their own?
Once the mud settles, the waters become clear.Posted in ie07.com | edit