The whole premise of this thread is that that there CAN be only 2 alternatives in the US election process - something that is mandatory in a 'first past the post' system, unlike Australia.

'Flip-Flopping' - this is the typical 'Anti-Intellectual' attack designed to appeal to 'Pseudo-Intellectuals', who of course do not have the desire to use what real intellectual capacity they may have. It tends to backlash severely in Australia - as it is mostly seen as just an "Ad Hominem" (personal) attack, but it is becoming more common in Australian Politics, due to the export of failed second-rate US political advisors, who do not understand the Law or the Culture here - but it seems to be the only hope of Johnny shooting himself enough in the foot to lose.

As an Australian I cannot vote in this election, although the actions and policies of the US Govt will continue to impact heavily on Australian Culture, Finance, Trade, Business & Politics, and thus indirectly on me. But I would personally prefer _any_ US candidate who displays a high level of intelligence thru a flexibility of mental processes, rather than one who publicly displays a rigid narrow minded "God Spoke Directly TO ME!" approach. That way of politics has always historically led to Disaster.

"Those who do not learn from the lessons of History, are condemned to repeat them."

Robin