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

The issue with case by case, is that you don't just spite your kids to death, you're endangering everyone else around you.

If you're going to run, probably best to go like what chris christie's doing. By supporting bi-partisanship, you appeal to a broader population

Xueli - So it is a question of personal responsibility? I think that would go back to my point of actually knowing who/what you a voting for rather then just looking for an R or D. But.... I think this suits me: “The major problem—one of the major problems, for there are several—one of the many major problems with governing people is that of whom you get to do it; or rather of who manages to get people to let them do it to them. To summarize: it is a well-known fact that those people who must want to rule people are, ipso facto, those least suited to do it. To summarize the summary: anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job.” Bonus points to any one who can name the quote....which is pointless...thx google.

I'm bi-partisan mostly. Except lately that's hard when the far right and the far left are overtaking the political parties. But that's pretty expected in time of economic downturn. I just used that as an example of a stance of the R party that I personally vehemently disagree with.

Well at the same time, people who only stick to party lines, no matter red, blue or green or what have you, are closed-minded, which isn't something I think is particularly attractive in a candidate

I am not talking about parties. Both are terrible. I mean be an individual and refuse to label your beliefs. Sadly I would rather go to someone who truly believes on the hardcore right or left than someone who acts bipartisan but actually believes in nothing. I have met these people and they are the scum of the earth. When I had conversations with Obama and Romney I felt like vomiting. I acted a certain way to see if they would change what they said and acted like I believed they believed something different than what they actually say they do. Both were quick to change what they say in private. ( If you know how then it is not terribly difficult to talk with presidental candidates so long as you know the right people. There is access and influence, I only had access, influence on a politician is infinitely more difficult. A lot of groups and individuals who think they have influence do not. )

LagannFan... Wow... It's hard to even comment on that line of thought.... If you truly believe in what you have written there you are well upon your way to becoming the typical american politician: Kudos!

How so? I am saying people should act as individuals rather than parties? Because I explain the difference between access and influence to you all? What I say is anti-typical politician.