A Question

I originally sent this question to Dr. Monkey for his January Q&A feature, but thinking more and more about it, I'd really like to know how anyone who reads this blog would answer it.

I think it's really a difficult question, and I don't have a good answer to it. Maybe one/some/all of you do.

Here it is:


There are three major candidates for an upcoming presidential race.

Candidate A shares some of your principles, but doesn't share others. Some of the principles that Candidate A does not share with you are a little bothersome to you. You think A would make an okay president, but you have your doubts.

Candidate B is virtually the polar opposite to you with regards to the principles you hold. You are relatively certain that Candidate B's presidency will have a negative effect on the country in a variety of ways, but you are not sure to the degree of this negative effect.

Candidate C seems in agreement with virtually all of your principles. They have interesting ideas, and address issues not dealt with by Candidates A or B. You believe that Candidate C would make a good president, and have a positive effect on the country.

Candidate A and B together have the majority of the vote. A and B's campaign are in a dead heat. The projected votes are split evenly between them.

Candidate C is a distant third.


The question is, assuming you are going to vote for one of the candidates, who do you vote for? Assume I disagree with whatever your choice is, and try to convince me to vote for your candidate.


If you have the hankering to grapple with this question, it might be more appropriate to put up your own post in response to the question, rather than add your thoughts as a potentially large comment on this post (if you want to deal with it on your own blog, I'll happily link to your post). Either way, whether it's by comment or separate blog post, I welcome your thoughts and opinions.