Nolan Chart

Democrats and Republicans

What do we want from a President? Is it judgment, leadership, experience, a spotless background, agreement on key issues? Since JFK in 1960, fund raising and media appeal has been critical. The oath of office is silent on these characteristics demanding only execution of the office and defense of the Constitution.

The Nolan Chart to the left gives you an idea of the relative ideologies of the candidates. Not a perfect representation, it is only a little better than a one dimensional left (liberal) vs right (conservative) chart. A McClatchie news graphic shows where the leaders stand on key issues.

Here's the top tier and other important candidates. The chart shows their relative ideology. If we are upset with the system, why do we continue to re-elect the incumbents and others vested in the system?

The primary election is our best chance to have a choice. Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich are both constitutionalists who provide the greatest departures from the typical politicians in this race. John Edwards is an outsider, albeit a rich one. Obama has the ability to raise money from the internet so is less dependent on the "fat cats." None of the others are willing to step away from the traditional sources of funding and influence. Even Governors Richardson and Huckabee are taking the big money.

Watch the short video to see how the election process works then scroll down for details on each candidate.