Reading blogs and putting in your two cents is an enjoyable hobby for lots of us. While there are many millions of blog topics, one of this year’s absolute hottest topics is the election blogs. More than any other election year in American history, 2008 takes the cake in terms of public interest. A recent poll revealed that, of likely voters, fully 89% say they are closely watching election news and following what the candidates have to say.
During most election years, voters tend to take a ho-hum attitude. Now, in 2008, there is hardly a major issue that does not require our attention. The economy, wars and foreign policy, education and poverty are just some of the issues that almost everyone can personally relate to in some way. So it’s no wonder that election bloggers are enjoying enormous traffic, gaining new readers and, presumably, better profits.
Whether you favor McCain, Obama, Bob Barr, or Ralph Nader, you are probably passionate about improving this country on at least one of these issues. So often, we Americans feel we don’t have a voice in politics, that nothing we think will influence which candidate is ultimately elected. As a result, only about half the citizenry – or less – typically votes. This means that it’s approximately just a quarter of the population that decides which candidate ends up in the White House as the so-called leader of the free world.
Perhaps 2008 will prove different. While it can be safely said that most people hold strong opinions on issues, many tend to stick with a political party simply out of habit. However, it behooves us all to get as much information and differing perspectives in order to make an intelligent choice when we vote. If you haven’t already, check out some of the election bloggers. You’ll find opinions and news items you’ll never find by watching the nightly news. Election bloggers usually have a proclivity to laud one or another party or candidate, but their readership, the ordinary people like you and me, have a chance to express and promote a diversity of opinions on any given issue or candidate. Different ideas and perspectives are the reason election blogs are so hot. This is why you should take a look, because you’ll learn what concerns your fellow citizens most and why.
Not every poster is eloquent. Some are even thoughtless, just raving without substance. On the other hand, there are thousands of people whose ideas are articulate and backed by facts and logic. You may be startled by what your learn through reading their comments. You may also be surprised to find how many ordinary folks are passionate about an issue which you also find to be a great concern for you and your family. In fact, it may even make you decide to vote!
The election blogs are a great public forum for discussion. You may not be invited to participate on Meet the Press, but you can have your say on the blogs. You may influence someone else with your perspective. In any case, everyone can learn enough to make a more informed decision. Democracy begins with an educated population.