I don't like politics. I really don't. Any time I see them being discussed or hear debates on the radio I want to gouge my eyes out with a rusty spoon. To me it all seems to result in one candidate trying to make the other look bad, or telling you why the other candidate's ideas won't work, or using some rhetorical technique to inflate whatever he's saying. I feel that most of the time there is more focus on how the candidate and his ideas are being presented than the actual ideas themselves. But that's an important part of it, you'll tell me. That's what campaigning is about.
My question is: Why?
Why has it become that way? From my experience here at UT, student supporters of Obama seem a lot more vocal than those of McCain. I believe that this is indicative of a trend among most college-age voters. Obama is definitely charismatic, an excellent speaker, young, and novel in his, well, blackness. His candidacy is historical, and his presidency would be equally unprecedented. But more than that, college kids like him because he seems to care about them--personally. He placed an emphasis on making college affordable for everyone in the debate today, he said that education is important and that we are clearly behind other countries in math and science; which most of us already know and are itching to change. Obama's image has become that of a young, dynamic instigator of change, while McCain is painted as a doddering old white guy that wants to continue all of Bush's policies to the bitter end (i.e., total economic, diplomatic, and military collapse, according to the liberal standpoint).
Particularly in the debate today, Obama's demeanor and behavior stark contrast to McCain's. McCain smiled widely for most of the debate, interrupted Obama on numerous occasions, and chortled at some of his opponents statements. He mentioned on numerous occasions (often after the aforementioned chortles) Obama's eloquence, but stated that you "have to pay attention to the words." Obama was focused, composed, giving all the appearance of carefully considering what McCain was saying and hardly, if ever, interrupting. However, though Obama did it with admittedly more grace, both candidates were ruthlessly picking at each other for inconsistencies, exaggerations, or chances to critique. The nausea I feel at this practice reminds me of watching a certain trio of judges pick at delusional and possibly mentally disabled contestants on a certain television show that most of America seems to watch religiously. The sense of annoyance I feel is the same, in any case.
if only people could just disagree honestly and compassionately.
A real riot, right?
The point I'm trying to make here I feel that many people's judgements of the candidates are affected by their essentially superficial characteristics--and I am not referring solely to Obama's appeal for young college students. I'm also referring to McCain's appeal to the older and conservative population for his steady, "plain-talking" appearance in comparison to "slippery, smooth-talking whippersnapper" Obama. My impression of McCain was very altered when I saw his distasteful behavior in the debate, and I realized exactly what an impact our "feelings" about the candidates based on their images influence our support of them.
Please, try to consider the issues. Some, like attempting to solve the economic crisis, foreign policy, or the oil issue, are up for debate in whether or not they would work, and you should have an opinion on which you prefer. Some, like abortion and gay marriage, are really more of a moral issue and it is very difficult to change the side of the fence you've fallen on on this one. It is of course important to pick who you think would make a better president--but this is really difficult to judge until after election day, and if you attempt to you will end up forming your judgment around the carefully crafted "personas" that the candidates have created for campaign purposes.
Most people's criticisms of McCain seem to center around his oldness and whiteness. And those of Obama poke fun at his middle and last name as well as his religious standpoint. I would love for someone to tell me how either of this facts have any bearing on their qualification for the office of president.
If you can, I will eat one of those tall Russian hats made of fur. Without any salt.
I feel that most of the time there is more focus on how the candidate and his ideas are being presented than the actual ideas themselves. But that's an important part of it, you'll tell me. That's what campaigning is about.
My question is: Why?
Because only a tiny fraction of the voting public is as thoughtful and intelligent as you are. Depressingly few of us are in the habit of balancing our emotions against reason or skeptically analyzing our favorite beliefs. Your post is unbelievably clear, funny, and insightful, and I couldn't agree more about political games.
However, Obama's religious standpoint underpins all of his moral positions. And moral character heavily influences the kinds of decisions people make, so Obama's religious standpoint has a strong, direct bearing on his qualification for the office of president. Enjoy your tall unsalted Russian hat =)
*sadly and sheepishly places hat on a plate, lifts fork*
That does make sense. But I felt that people were accusing him of being Muslim just to line him up with the terrorists or something and encourage voters that don't bother to do their research not to vote for him. Which seems like a rather underhanded way to do business. Unfounded rumors like that have nothing to do with his competency as a president but still, sadly, play a role in who potential voters support.
Didn't seem to stop him from winning though, haha. I actually voted for McCain, but I did not approve of the tactics used to try to undermine Obama.
Also: Thanks for reading this post! I appreciate your comment, seriously.