If you are socially progressive but moderate-to-conservative on everything else, for whom should you vote?

I like John McCain on issues of foreign policy, defense, and national security. I like the Democrats on social issues and I'm pro-choice. Which do you think are more important right now? Good point, professor b ... Thanks to everyone for your answers~!

Public Comments

1. the first 3 in my opinion without security nothing else really matters does it ?
2. Foreign policy, defense, national security and the economy are the biggest issues right now. You sound like a Libertarian to me.
3. I can't fathom another administration like Dubya. I am a Hillary supporter, but after listening to more of McCain, I will go for Obama. I do hope Hillary gets on the ticket though. I would feel even better about my vote then.
4. I'm socially conservative and fiscally middle of the road to conservative. I believe the government needs to invest in the future. I believe that the government should ensure AMERICANS get education and get ahead. I believe lazy people and criminals should be put out of their misery.
5. If you like McCain's pro-war stance then vote for him. That's really all McCain is about.
6. I believe foreign policy, defense, and national security
7. McCain Obama is way to the left on all issues. McCain is more moderate.
8. What i still do not understand is how someone can say they are conservative and agree with McCain, Bush et al on these issues. The true Conservative approach to these issues is not to jump into a war that has no forseeable end. Sense when has being anti war become such a "liberal" thought. sheesh
9. I think it's very important that we are strong on defense and national security at this time. As far as pro choice I respectfully differ with your opinion. However Roe VS Wade is not going to be overturned regardless of who is elected.
10. goto mccain's website and read his social policy....he is a douche....obama will make a change for the better, and if he sucks at least we tried something drastically different and we can vote him out in 4 years we need something new...not ANOTHER bush!
11. My approach is that once a politician starts a program, it never dies. But if a politician bans something that shouldn't be banned, that is a mistake that is easier to be fixed. That is why I like McCain, but can't stand Huckabee (worse of both worlds!)
12. McCain, he is not ever going to be able to change Roe vs. Wade, look how many Republicans Presidents we have had and it still hasn't changed. Right now defense, foreign policy and National Security are the most important.
13. WOW! You are just like me! I guess since there are no perfect candidates for us right now, we have to prioritize. I am thinking that economy is most important to me. Hillary had the best plan. Obama wants to spend money on other countries and doesn't like the idea of helping even a tiny bit like with getting rid of the gas tax. McCain seems like he is trying to get some things together in regard to economy, so I think he might be my choice now. (if Hillary is the VP, she really won't get much say, so I kinda don't think that will help in my choices) I am guessing foeign policy is probably next important to me. McCain's ideas beat Obama's to me there too. (and on and on like that) I think gay marriages (or unions or whatever you want to call them) would provide some equal rights that are sorely missing. And I am pro-choice. But the only real say the president has in that is POSSIBLY getting to choose a Supreme Court Justice (and that's only if one retires/dies in the next four years). Unfortunately, this seems much more remote of a worry than the other subjects, so I'm thinking this is an OK year to let that be less important to my decision. Go to this site and take this quiz. Read all their explanations for each question before answering. It will give you a list of the candidates and your percentage match to them, as well as really evaluate what kind of political category you fall into (I'm a centrist!) Good luck! http://www.speakout.com/VoteMatch/
14. Go with the Dems on this one. One really significant possibility in this coming term is the appointment of one, two or even three Supreme Court justices. The balance could easily tip away from Row v Wade, or it could be ensured as the law of the land. Social issues close to my heart are often brought up in the Supreme Court. On the subject of national security, remember the issues of warrantless wire taps in the current administration. I have no reason to believe that McCain would be willing to have judicial oversight, but Obama would be more likely to re-establish what we all took for granted as a basic tenet of law. On foreign policy, I believe that a thoughtful investigation of the options rather than a quick jump to the big stick is a better stance. Obama is good a framing the questions. His oratory skill is based on his background as a professor of law. He has extreme clarity of thought. He doesn't rule out the big stick, but I don't think he'd be in any hurry to commit our young American soldiers without thoroughly knowing both the cause and the costs of doing so. I'm libertarian on many issues, fiscally conservative, and socially progressive.
15. Voting on social issues on the national level is falling into a trap. Our culture is almost entirely outside of governmental control and our constitution will keep it that way. Even if Roe v Wade is overturned abortion will remain legal in most states. The president has real power in foreign policy and a substantial influence on the economy, and his position on those should determine your vote.
16. McCain. The Republican Party has nominated him, but has also questioned his loyalty to the Republican Party. This is unprecedented. A Bipartisan Republican?!?!?!? This really makes him look like the perfect choice for President. We need a lot more bipartisan action in this country and soon and McCain is the one to make that happen... Consider this my official endorsement for McCain for President in 2008...