"Most people will do what the information flow tells them to do."

[milkyway]

This is a quote in yesterday's NY Times from John Petrocik, a political scientist at the University of Missouri. A sad commentary about our democracy. He was speaking about how most voters aren't even aware that Missouri is holding a primary today. Later in the article the professor says, "You'd think political science students would be following the campaign avidly, but when I tried it on my class this week, a couple of them were unaware of the primary (in Missouri)."

I keep going back and forth on my thinking about the GE. Some days I think that any of the Dems will beat shrub. But on other days I feel he can't be beaten--their money and media control seem overwhelming, and as the professor says, most people will vote how the media tells them to vote.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/02/politics/campaign/02MISS.html

[cryofan]

1. the prof was talking to YOUNG people

Their heads are usually buzzing with things regarding sex, social status, making money, etc etc. If you go to the polls, it is generally OLDER people who vote.

[Mile Hi]

2. America too involved with American Idol

Most people in the US only decide who to vote for a few days before the primary. Then they vote for the guy in the lead.

It's a fact that has been proven in many studies. Most people will vote along with the masses even if it's the wrong choice.

People spend more time finding out about who will marry Joe Millionaire than which candidate is the better choice.

[Township75]

3. Maybe these kids were too busy discussing the real issues...

like if the Janet Jackson episode in the SB was staged or real.

People here often think that all our problems lie with conservatives, and if we beat them, then are problems are done. When I read articles like the above, I realize it is a larger problem than that.

[JNelson6563]

4. Yes, disinterest and apathy

are our worst enemies. Much harder to conquer than the neo-cons.

Our culture fans the flames of self-centeredness.

Julie