Not Just About Abortion

Its a waste of time to be a single issue presidential voter if that issue is abortion. First, its a waste of time to vote in most circumstances, anyway. But second, the president has very little ability to shape abortion policy. A president could issue an executive order to stop all abortions immediately, but unless your candidate has the cajones to do so, their relative positions are irrelevant. Finally, the president has more influence over foreign policy issues that almost any other. After all, he is supposed to be our “Commander In Chief.” The role was really tailor suited to Washington and his strengths. So, when weighting the issues give foreign policy at least double weight than abortion no matter what your personal preferences are on either issue.

Idea for econ/political science paper: Which political issues are relevant to presidential elections, compared to senatorial elections or congressional elections, or guvinatorial elections, and local elections, and what weights ought to be assigned to these issues based on their relevance?

Tyler Cowen says it better:

And if you’re still worrying about how to vote, I have two pieces of advice. First, spend your time studying foreign policy, where the president has more direct power, and the choice of a candidate makes a much bigger difference. Second, stop worrying and get back to work.

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