A political candidate's demographic should not affect the way one votes.

Seems slanted and I generally agree with you (Go Romney! ), but the challenge may be fun. Unfortunately you did not make any points in your introductory argument, and did not define any of your terms. So I will begin by defining your terms, followed by my main arguments, and I'll end with refutations of the props potential arguments. Dem-o-graph-ic: The study of, or information pertaining to the age, income, religion, race, sex, background, occupation, and belief systems that belong/belonged to an individual or group of individuals. (I think the rest is clear) ARGUMENTS: 1. ) Demographics affect values that may be crucial as issues develop in the future. a-If a candidate may have an advantage b/c of past experience (race, gender, occupation) it is acceptable to vote for them on that basis. Ex: If you believe Obama's status as a "black" American will give him a greater perspective of the problems/plights facing A. Americans, it is fair to vote for him on that basis. Ex2:If you believe that Clinton's womanity (lol) gives her an advantage. .. Ex3:If you believe that Romney's religion that is extremely famiy-based, gives him similar values to yourself. .. b-The same goes for the inverse; if a candidate shows a disadvantage, you don't have to vote for them. In the end, you're voting for the person you believe to have your interests in mind, and the person whose poicies are closest to your own. 2. ) What's not unconstitutional is constitutional. a-Would it be constitutional (if it was possible)to take away the ability to form bias? Obviously not, because that is a freedom we hold, therefore it's constitutional. b-It's true occasionally bias is formed as a result of bigotted beliefs, racism, and sexism. This does not mean, however, that ALL demographical info. should not be heeded. Ex: If a Satanist were to run for President, who believed in child sacrifice (doesn't necessarily perform them) this shows a definite lapse in judgement, no matter his stance on primary political issues. It shows a differing belief system that is too important to ignore, and may affect his future decisions, say. .. education reforms. 3. ) We have the right to vote according to our own belief; the choice is ours and the criteria can be whatever we choose. (see 1a) a-If there are 2 candidate's with the same political viewpoints, but one happens to share your same religion, it is fair to vote for that candidate on that basis, b/c that clearly shows a closer relationship to your personal ideals. 4. ) If you truly believe demographics may affect the later decisions of a potential president why should you vote for them? a-This one's simple, if you believe McCain's age, Romney's religion, Clinton's sex, or Obama's race will hamper their decision-making you are not obligated to vote for them. We are the judge's of the best candidate, and although we should be logical and have genuine justification for our decisions it is not required, and no one has the right to say what you should and should not take into consideration when choosing the best political candidate for you who will as Faroog says, be an "effective leaders" and best connote your will. POTENTIAL REBUTTALS: -You may say that the only beliefs that matter are those that pertain to current political talking points, or current national predicaments. To this I respond that, if a candidate share's the same belief as you, but does not live by the same standard, this can be reason to withhold a vote. Ex: If Bill Clinton were to preach morality, and family values during his run, after we had all found out he had committed adultery this would clearly show contradictions that would make him less viable for my vote. Ex 2: If I was a Mormon (I am) who not only agreed with Mitt Romney on current political issues, but also saw an advantage in his previous occupations b/c they show potential leadership skills and saw how his beliefs promote all that I stand for is it wrong to take this demographical info. ? -You may bring up(as you have), the current Presidential race. a-I agree that many citizens make decisions that show ignorance, bigotry, etc. .. But taking some demographics into account, with proper knowledge and with the absence of unfair bigotry, racim, sexism, age, can actually be beneficial. Thus I believe I have proved that in some cases a candidate's demographic should affect the way one vote's. BTW-Whew! That was hard. My first debate, you know? Good practice though. I noticed you're Canadian, do all Canadians take such an interest in U. S. politics? I look forward to your response! Good luck.