Fear, Emotion, Passion.... "ILLOGICAL!" Says Mr. Spock

Even though I think Passion in politics is a great place to start, it is not logical for a person to get emotional about politics and economics. Often times people get into heated political debates with me, and they tend to get very emotional in the process. Perhaps they get this way because I love to “pick a fight”, or perhaps they are just plain old passionate about their point of view. Passion drives curiosity, and curiosity seeks for truth. When people find out the truth, they are quickly stunned, almost like a deer in headlights. Getting emotional about economics and politics is problematic because we tend to run off with the emotion and forget how to present LOGICAL arguments. Emotions cloud our ability to think rationally and ultimately our ability to make sound decisions.

With that said, Obama is absolutely a brilliant presidential candidate in this regard. He is playing on the emotions (particularly anger and fear) of the people. Throughout history, the candidate that can key in on the emotions of the people always wins the election. (Kennedy and Reagan are other great examples). Obama is doing so well because he is an excellent salesman. He can get you to believe that "Bush's Policies" have failed, and everything negative that has happened during his term is his fault. Any good salesman will point out "your pain" and key in on it. Then they will offer a solution to that pain. If the cost of the solution "APPEARS" (Obama the magician) to be less than the pain itself, you will buy.

In the article, “The Obama Temptation” my colleague explored a piece written by Mark Levin which points out that there is a “cult-like” following of Obama. Barack Obama followers are like a moth to a flame. They are so mesmerized by “Hope” and “Change.” As a result, they are completely and utterly numb to the flaws in his logic, his radical associations, and his statement “spread the wealth.” Not to mention his stance on the issues. Clearly he has managed to drive his base to a level of emotion that is totally illogical. Emotions are running high in the Obama campaign, and there is no “counter-emotion” that can snap people out of it. Therefore, rather than trying to invoke emotion, we should ask questions that draw out logical thinking and ultimately rational decision making.

When all else fails, point to the Constitution. We should not be deciding who should be the next President based on emotions or fear. Nor can we vote based on associations, education level, merit, or even intentions. (I would agree that both McCain and Obama INTEND to do us well by their ideas...). But, I think we should be voting based on their willingness to defend and uphold the Constitution of the United States...After all, this is the Presidential Oath of Office:

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Who do you think will best preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, and why do you think this way? Emotion vs. Logic - Polar opposites!



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