What do you look for in a candidate for any office?

Bookwatcher as awesome as that would be it won't happen until out whole politicalprocess and system has a massive overhaul as for democrat or rrepublican I dont care I will admit most ofmy views lean more rerepublican but if you align yourself with a political party you only blind yourself George Washington himself said political parties will be the death of America and I totally agree with that sentiment.

Yes indeed, DarthRane. I really wish we could somehow bring back our founding fathers so they could beat some sense into our current political system.

I have issues with the stances of many of the parties. Like libertarians and republicans being against vaccinations. Such a huge problem nowadays where the state governments hand out exceptions left and right to not require vaccinations for their kids and now we have the worst whooping cough epidemic in 70 years, with measles and mumps returning to the united states. And in metropolitan areas. Ugh, the anti-vaccine movement just boggles my mind

I look for logic, philosophy, responsibility, distrust of government, self-control, and sound mind. I'm not so big on their past, financial status, prettiness, speeches, promises, and how much the media like 'em. I just want someone who believes something and won't compromise with their beliefs (Compromise with details is fine though). @Xueli, Sounds like they want to allow for case-by-case decisions whether they want themselves or their kids vaccinated. I don't follow vaccine stuff, so I may be missing something.

Politicians: American royalty. I think the founding fathers would be very troubled over what we have become today. Adams and Washington in particular since both agreed that the worst thing for this nation would be a two party system. Blah...how I love real history. As for what too look for..... that is a stupid question. A politician goal is to craft an image in order to gain votes. Generally only during an election year, or in some more recent case, when they forget that at some point you have to govern, not continue to run for election. Words are meaningless. The only person who should be voted in on their image alone is a some one running for a first term. After that, they should be judged by their actions, NOT there words, image, or party they represent. OF course, this requires research, reading, looking into voting records, who is giving them money, what they represent and above all else not taking the politicians or the medias word for it. But it is so much easier to just have some one give you your opinion rather taking the time to acquire one for your self. Hurumph!