How to Choose a Candidate for President

Listen to the debates as you consider your choices.

Trying to pick a qualified candidate who would make an excellent president could be as easy as finding the proverbial needle in a haystack. The moment you begin to think you have chosen the best person, the mudslinging begins. Yet believe it or not, picking your presidential candidate doesn't have to be as difficult as you think.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access
• Paper and pen/pencil

Instructions

1. Acquire a list of all of the prospective candidates for each party. Note what each represents and what they are planning to accomplish as president. Check each party's national and state websites.

2. Watch the debates. Jot down notes on key responses to major questions. Make sure you don't get sucked into the rhetoric.

3. Pick the top three candidates for each side, if there are three to choose. List their good qualities as well as their bad qualities, and compare them with your values. Don't be surprised to find out you agree with one party and you normally vote for the opposite.

4. Visit the party's local sites and find a few local events you can attend. This will give you more in-depth information about the party and potential candidates. Unlike watching televised debates, you may be able to ask questions you haven't had answered yet.

5. Do not be influenced by public video sites or blogs, which often use mudslinging tactics and may use misinformation.

6. Once the parties choose their candidates, don't be dismayed if your person wasn't picked. Instead, look at the chosen candidates' promises as well as who they will be thinking for to be vice president. Keep in mind that losing candidates will publicly back the frontrunner if they agree with their ideas and values. If your candidate lost but is not backing the winning candidate, you're back to square one: Compare the other parties' candidates, and repeat the process.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be influenced by blogs, one-sided websites, media channels or smear ads.

• Don't throw away your vote if you can't decide on a candidate -- just pick the better one, even if imperfect.

References

• US Electoral College: Is My Vote for President Meaningful Under the Electoral College System?
• PBS: What Makes a Good President?

Resources

• Democratic Party
• Republican Party
• Washington Post; What Does a President Really Do All Day?;Joel Achenbach