Please Read These Words

            The latest polls say it’s too close to call.  The latest poll says so and so was delivered a crushing blow.  So and so will likely drop out of the race, cutting his losses up to this point in what has been a futile attempt to get his message a fair shot on the airwaves…

            The polls.  Are there too many?  And does the saturation compromise accuracy?  Surely, some integrity is lost.  Who’s questioned?  Who counts?  Do those who report the results rig it for drama?  It is no secret that behind the numerous sources for news, there are a few mega-corporations who have one goal:  For you to watch.  We cry foul when we feel the truth is being compromised by financial interest.  The practice of business is to create a truth for a target market out of nothing.  You WILL have whiter teeth, more flavorful mashed potatoes, better traction on your tires, etc.  The truth is that these businesses are being truthful to what good business is about: expanding their power to make money.  The truth is not constant.  It’s what people believe during moments that are always changing and passing us by.

            When it comes to elections, these companies know we want to watch a good fight.  After all, the same company that brings you the nightly news brings you Wife Swap.  We want to see tears.  We want to see ecstasy.  At the end of the race, we want to see the thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat.  Content-wise, Bill Richardson is as good a candidate as any, but we want to see the “black guy” vs. “the white lady.”  History is in the making, and the media is reveling in the time-honored classics that always increase ratings:  racism and sexism.

            On the Republican side, of course John McCain would make a “comeback.”  He’s a war hero, and willing to stand somewhere in the middle—the place where all people must meet to get things done.  McCain’s short but tough stature will easily defeat the tall, “presidential” but mediocre character of Mitt Romney.  We don’t want a rich guy.  Well, maybe we’re OK with someone who knows business and is rich, but at this point, someone who looks too rich is a turn off.  For democrats, see John Edwards.  We want someone with heart.  McCain will sail to the finals.

            And then there’s Huckabee.  His name alone gives him a head start because journalists probably just like saying it.  He’s a man of faith and his campaign functioned on no money.  We’re always ready for the underdog—the antithesis of Romney and Guliani.  Mike Huckabee appears more genuine; and Chuck Norris has his back should anyone question his integrity.

            In any race, the underdog is only a few points down in the polls, making him or her not such an underdog.  The keepers of the poll results always publish a close race on one side or the other; like I said, it’s the fight that sells.

            Knowing our affinity for drama, we still complain.  We complain about this rigged and phony game as we surf through the channels looking for someone to tell us what to think.  We criticize the Viacoms and Clear Channels running the show…  We’re in the show.  We are the show!  Wake up!  

            Please don’t complain anymore (I’m trying, I swear!), and recognize that our vote will go to the person who wins our hearts and minds.  We do listen to what people say; sound bytes may be short, but they have some flavor.  The pundits shape our opinions, and the polls shape our pundits’ opinions—even if the points get shaved here and there to serve the ratings.

            The message I hear is to participate, whatever you may think of the arena.  As clusterfuck-like America’s attempts to spread democracy, our ability to vote is indeed an envied process.  Embrace the drama of Campaign ’08.  Tell your friends and neighbors to enjoy the conjecture and spirited roundtables brought to you by Celebrex and the new Chevy Tahoe.  We are consumers.  The first step is admitting it.  The next steps are to fight cynicism, maintain hope, and choose wisely.