The Perils of Single-Issue Voting

Matt Welch | February 5, 2008

Way back in that kinder, gentler era of November 2000, Hamlet-like Slate commentator Mickey Kaus explained that one of his great motivating considerations in leaning toward Al Gore for president was to ... prevent a Hillary Clinton presidency.

In 2008, Kaus' single issue is restricting immigration, so he's leaning toward ... Hillary Clinton!

Comments

Yinter|2.5.08 @ 8:48AM|#

I'm more concerned about the perils of single-tissue spanking, which, due to the thinness of most tissue, can leave a mess on the floor, pants, chair, computer desk, etc.

I will vote for the candidate that best addresses this issue.

|2.5.08 @ 8:51AM|#

Well, that'll do it for the thread.

|2.5.08 @ 9:14AM|#

Thread! Thread! Speak to me, Thread!

Just blink your eyes if you can hear me. Thread?

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!

|2.5.08 @ 9:14AM|#

I will vote for the candidate that best addresses this issue.

My guess is that four years of looking at and listening to Hillary Clinton will do more to reduce spanking (single-tissue or not) than anything else.

Episiarch|2.5.08 @ 9:16AM|#

BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP

T|2.5.08 @ 9:24AM|#

Hmm. What if my single issue is to avoid listening to that harridan screech at me from a bully pulpit for four or eight years. Who should I vote for?

LarryA|2.5.08 @ 9:26AM|#

Actually, if Kaus wants to restrict immigration his vote is quite reasonable. After eight years of Hillary, will anyone want to move here?

|2.5.08 @ 9:32AM|#

Nuts to you, Kaus!

Sulla|2.5.08 @ 9:44AM|#

I think Kaus is in general a good guy with interesting insights. I once wrote him an email after I saw him on Dennis Miller's old show and he sent me a very nice response. That being said, it's sort of ironic how he approaches the immigration issue. His single-mindedness about it is approaching Andrew Sullivanesqe levels (Well, the way Sullivan is about some other issues).

|2.5.08 @ 9:46AM|#

Mickey Kaus gives Douglas Feith a serious run as the most fucking stupidest guy on the face on the planet.

I have no idea why Slate gives him a paycheck every week.

|2.5.08 @ 9:49AM|#

Hillary's immigration stance: Bring me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses. I'll fast track naturalization status if they guarantee they'll vote for me in 2012.

DroneMonk|2.5.08 @ 9:52AM|#

Kaus has set up shop at the statue of bigotry in the hopes it draws enough followers to put him on the short list after the anticipated handoff from Bush imperialists to Clinton imperialists.

Shit, if'n he plays his cards right, he might get to break bread with the Clintons in the White House...maybe write a couple of irrational lines for a speech. You know, like David ("Axis of Evil") Frum did, only D instad of R.

I will now set myself on fire.

shecky|2.5.08 @ 9:53AM|#

Hillary's immigration stance: Bring me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses. I'll fast track naturalization status if they guarantee they'll vote for me in 2012.

The really sad thing is that this would be an improvement over current policy.

|2.5.08 @ 11:09AM|#

In 2008, Kaus' single issue is restricting immigration, so he's leaning toward ... Hillary Clinton!

I feel Kaus' pain. Choosing on the single issue of free migration, the only candidates unabashedly for it are Barry Hess, Christine Smith, and Steve Kubby.

|2.5.08 @ 11:28AM|#

That reminds me, I need to go check out the NRA's website before I cast my primary vote today.

T|2.5.08 @ 11:43AM|#

That reminds me, I need to go check out the NRA's website before I cast my primary vote today.

Check GOA instead. Their ratings aren't geared towards supporting who the NRA thinks will win.

gray fox|2.5.08 @ 3:45PM|#

Hillary's immigration stance: Bring me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses. I'll fast track naturalization status if they guarantee they'll vote for me in 2012.

More immigration = More Democratic voters = More un-libertarian economic policy. I don't know why it's so hard for most libertarians to see that.

|2.5.08 @ 5:50PM|#

Is the gray fox Lew Rockwell's handle?