ELECTIONS! Political Pundits' Dream Season

With two big elections in the near future, The United States and the state of Israel, this is a real fun time for political pundits.

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney

and U.S. President Barack Obama

shake hands following the second presidential

debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead,

New York, on Tuesday, October 16,

moderated by CNN's Candy Crowley.

See the best photos of the first presidential debate.

While most of the world is concentrating on the second American Presidential debate between US President Barack Hussein Obama and Mitt Romney that took place a short time ago, my mind, heart and body are here in Israel wondering what will be with our upcoming elections.

The Israeli political system is very different from the American one.  We don't have a presidential system.  We don't vote for our Prime Minister.  We vote for a list of potential Knesset candidates.  The largest, or strongest party's leader is then given the chance to form a coalition and if successful become Prime Minister.

Most politicians want to be in the coalition and they want to be cabinet ministers or Vice/Assistant Sgan Ministers.  The possible Prime Minister uses that to cement (bribe) the politicians to be loyal to the government.  If the cabinet ministers don't toe the line, then they lose their perks and positions.  Basically they become well-paid "yes men." 

There really isn't all that much power in being a minister, certainly not in the position of Sar Bli Tik, Minister Without Portfolio.  Just like in the classic comedy "Yes, Minister," most of the work of the ministry is by civil servants who, unlike the minister, has this government job that they keep until retirement.

I prefer voting for a political party with principles, not dreams of being "in the government."  That means that I'm sticking with MK's Arie Eldad and Michael Ben-Ari who are leaving the National Union, since Ketzele prefers his NRP buddies and a chance at a cabinet seat.  I also don't think political parties should be religious enclaves.

Speaking to Radio Kol Chai, Ben-Ari said, “I do not see myself as belonging to the national religious bloc. I am national religious but I think religious Zionism is past its time as a political sector.”
He added, "I am coordinated with MK Aryeh Eldad. We have a plan to run together and unite with those who align themselves with the ideological line of the whole land of Israel.”

Let's see what's next....