Voting..American Idol v. American President

[kaptnjack]

just to make an observation.

Yes...there were more votes (63million) than for any elected president in history but please consider......

If the networks would adequately serve the public as opposed to their singular interests and allow the same amount of time (hours) to all presidential candidates as AI does contestants, then I am sure the voting would be higher in national elections.

Think about it...AI was on 2 hours per week for months not counting the hundreds of promo spots in every media source available.

The last election there were at least 18 qualified pres candidates and only two allowed in tv/public debate.

How will the public ever be able to be properly informed of ways to change things if not introduced to the options of change?

Many candidates refuse to accept gov dollars for their campaigns and therefore cant compete with those that sell out for the money. And the media will not tote anything but the standard party lines.

its a lose...lose...deal for the voter

I think the debates for public office...especially the highest office, should include all constitutionally viable candidates, that the debates be held on a regular basis and broadcast without time restraints with full transparency and candor...unscripted.

No voter can make a wise vote based on a series of well-crafted 30-60 second spots and an hour or so of previewed, approved and scripted Q&A once every four years.

Until we get to the point where we treat the elections/candidates/voters with the respect they deserve…Until the publicly owned airwaves are used to the benefit of the true owners for their own benefit outside of the commercial/political interests of the companies licensed to use them...there will continue to be progressively poorer voter turn out for elections and this will continue to serve those that construct controlling measures of a select and manipulated base, voter class.

An informed voter is what is needed for change. Put all these candidates on TV 2 hours per week (or more) for several months in an open debate...we might get true representation.

At least we will be better informed and introduced to new ideas for a better future.

just some thoughts.

[kaptnjack]

to add..

cable has 90+ channels..with digital hundreds.

even if there were a dedicated channel...24/7 for politcal debate....not paid commercials...would be a plus, I still think we would be better served if all networks would carry unlimited debate between viable candidates.

spending

list of candidates 2004 (all 73 of them)



there are choices...we just dont get to see or hear them

[2tim215]

I believe that another big factor here is the voting process. The fact is that there is a huge difference when someone has to take time off from work (or a busy schedule) to go to a polling station versus making a simple phone call to an 800 number. It's a matter of convenience. Due to security issues and the nature of a presidential election, the process to insure accuracy and the need for security measures make it much more complicated all the way around. Does it need to be that complicated? That's another matter altogether, however I believe that this has a lot to do with the apparent disparity in terms of the numbers and may be somewhat misleadding in terms of the importance that Americans put on voting for American Idol versus voting for the presidency. At least I hope so.

2tim215
2 Tim 2:15(KJV) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

[The Great Owl]

I'd be just as happy if more uninformed sheeple didn't vote at all. Oh while we're at it, how about voting with paper ballots that can be counted and independantly verified? Our elections are about as rigged as those of Cuba or soviet Russia.