Voters Panel member John Gustafson’s open letter to McCain, Obama
1 comment August 28th, 2008
This is from John Gustafson, former 9th ward Republican alderman and a candidate for mayor of Rockford in 1989. John’s a member of our Voters Panel, and he’s commenting on the presidential race. The following is an open letter to John McCain and Barack Obama:
Gentlemen, you need to pursue the following in order for me to believe that you are serious contenders for the presidency. Two simple tactics that will prove that one of you are deserving of my vote.
First, come down from your podiums and talk with me. I am not interested in high sounding words or catch phrases that may deserve publication in Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations as much as I am with simple, honest, and direct talk. Also, talk with me, and not to me !
In this great republic, I am just as important as you.
Forget the starlets, the movers and shakers, and the headliners when speaking with me. I am just the prairie farmer and small town mechanic, the urban cab driver and the classroom teacher. Just the average guy who can understand the hard blunt facts and accept the need for personal sacrifice. And listen to me! Maybe I could offer suggestions and ideas that are just as workable as those presented by you and your staff. Respect me not just as a voter, but as an informed citizen!
Secondly, you turn me off when you spend money on political ads attacking the other fellow. If I contribute money to your campaign, I would expect that you would use it to talk about yourself, your platform, and ideas. Why would you want to use my money to attack the other candidate with usually false and misleading facts?
Don’t waste my money ! Talk about yourself. And don’t forget to include your warts and imperfections. I will be turned off by you if you do not include them.
Both of you want to be elected as the 44th President and you want my vote. Earn it! Both of you, at this time, have a long road to travel to gain my confidence, and my vote.
John Gustafson
