The Ultimate Flip

Switching party affiliation is nothing new in the world of politics: Democrat to Republican, visa versa, or from one party to the “hallowed” Independent status. Charlie Crist is only the latest example as he has bolted from the Republican Party to become an Independent in the Florida’s upcoming senatorial primary.

I can see valid reasons for changing one’s party affiliation: the evolution, over time, of a person’s priorities or political philosophy. Likewise, a party’s priorities or philosophy may become too much of a dichotomy for a once-loyal member to remain in the fold. The timing is the thing, I’d say, and Crist’s timing speaks of things more important than those voters and their priorities that might send him to the Senate.

Approaching an election, be it a primary or the general election, is not the time to suddenly experience the epiphany that leads to a change of party affiliation. Could it happen? Sure, but no one’s going to believe it. Theoretically, anyway. History shows that sudden, last-minute flips sometimes result in victory. And therein lies my incredulity.

Anyone switching political horses late in the race does it for one thing: they see a loss on election day and are willing to do anything to keep (or gain) the seat at the trough in Washington. Their politics have not changed nor has their old affiliation become so abhorrent that they can no longer abide it. It is simply self preservation. Period.

So why should we reward them with a vote? They’re twisting in the wind and hoping that we won’t notice their desperation. Some go so far as repaint themselves as “outsiders” or “independents”. You know how I feel about these terms if you drop in regularly. Pure, unadulterated crap. There is no long-time politico that is an outsider and independents simply do not exist as every member of a political body is beholden to someone. It is the nature of the beast.

So what is a voter to do when faced with a born-again candidate running under a new banner? Many think, “Well, I like him (or her, of course), so I’ll vote for him”. Hold on a moment: here’s a candidate that dumps his affiliation to get a better chance of being elected and now pontificates on honesty and integrity and changing the system. The only mea culpa I find acceptable as election day draws near and a candidate flips is, “Hey, I’m trying to get elected here”. I can’t argue with the honesty although I may take issue with the timing and the overall viability of the new, improved seeker of public office.

We shouldn’t vote for anyone based on likability or familiarity. We should vote on issues and believability. Any candidate that flips allegiance as the election draws near should be looked on in the harsh light of skepticism. Otherwise, we encourage the continued manipulation of the electorate in the name of simply getting elected.