I like to watch the debates, even at the local level. I look for someone that I personally connect with, versus just someone who spits out rhetoric that you can tell is just pandering for votes.

This year in particular I watched all the primaries, debates, whistle stops, etc. I read both sides of the story from newspapers that were biased on either side and I read their voting records plus any biographical information I could get my hands on. This was, and still is, a very critical election year. From the outset with the field of candidates running and what this nation has been through up until that time and now, about 18 months later to realize where we've gone in a relatively short time. As a woman of 62, to see a female go for the golden ring plus a black male vying for the same prize both thrilled and frightened me. I am a Democrat by nature and have, however, voted republican when the man was right. This time, however, I had to go with my instincts more than any information I had digested from all sources...and this time I'll be the best prepared to vote for the person I think can to us the most good at this critical time in our world. I'm extraordinarily well prepared and glad of it. Making that connection with a candidate is imperitive for me as well and I feel fortunate that I have indeed made that connection.

I like to see how they hold themselves together now. I don't care about where they have been. Should I? Debates give me insight on who I am voting for. Plans, policies, you know stuff like that. I think as long as you look at facts not opinions you will pick the right man/woman. This year even though I am republican I have decided to vote for Obama. He seems to have the best POF (plan of action) to get our country on track.

(plus, his economic plan is great)

I prepare by researching the candidates online, using a variety of sources (CreateDebate being one of them) to find out what the candidates plan on doing if they become elected. I believe it's a waste of time to listen to all the promises that they make, since many of them will not come to fruition.

I think that reviewing their past voting records is a good predictor of how they will perform once they get into office, so I review their history rather than listen to their rhetoric.