One of my commenters pointed out that CNN is really hyping the Halloween eve Comedy Central rally on the National Mall, which is supposed to be two “opposing” rallies led by Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. I find it utterly ridiculous that the media are treating this as anything other than a publicity stunt for both shows, and yet—well, look at this headline from the Christian Science Monitor:
Stephen Colbert-Jon Stewart rally: Might TV duo affect Election 2010?
Seriously. The angle of the article is that the rally could energize young voters to come out three days later and vote for the Democrats.
Nonetheless, the event is set on the doorstep of the Nov. 2 election, which makes its potential impact with younger voters undeniable, says Ari Berman, a political correspondent for The Nation. The younger demographic, which came out so effectively for Obama in 2008, has been noticeably disaffected in this midterm election. It’s possible that a major event hosted by two media figures with such caché among younger voters “could easily help to mobilize action in time for the election,” he says. One thing is certain, “all the media will be there, so it will be sure to get coverage.”
They have yet another analyst insisting that this could even energize Obama. Sure. In three days, Obama will be able to turn around two years of citizen anger at his trillion-dollar deficits, his elitism, his ignoring the will of the people to force Obamacare down our throats, the takeover of the banks and GM, the stimulus that wasn’t, Cash for Clunkers, and all the rest of the programs that have become so unpopular that Democrats won’t even talk about them in their political ads. But yes, one silly stunt by Stewart and Colbert could change the course of history—because the youth vote could be energized.
I think not. And I’m utterly puzzled at this statement by another analyst, Saladin Ambar of Lehigh University:
“Voting is an illogical action,” he adds, “and humor can stir the passions as much as anything.”
Really? Logic and deduction have nothing to do with voting? Analysis of the candidates and their platforms is something that isn’t done before you pull the lever for the one you think has the policies closest to yours?
How is voting illogical? Why, because some people out there vote for the best-looking candidate, or the one with the best hair? Sure, a few people vote like that, but the vast majority of voters choose the candidate with politics closest to theirs.
I think that comment is rather illogical, and elitist—which is par for the course. Another political analyst dismissing the great unwashed (the American voter) as one who votes without thought or logic. In his world, of course the however-many thousands of people who come to the Stewart-Colbert rallies will then change the course of the election.
Thankfully, we live in the real world, where kids from the area and a few die-hard fans will go to the rallies in person, but most people will watch them on TV. Me? I’ll probably be busy that Saturday. I’ll just watch the clips on Hot Air.
It may not be real but certainly would be hilarious and let’s face it, it has us talking.
Talking, yes, but seriously—does anyone other than some schmucks in the media (and analysts quoted by them to back up their thesis) believe this is going to energize young voters?
I think the rallies will be a hoot. And that’s the end of what I think about them. Deeper meaning? [insert eye roll here]
Three days after the Halloween party the participants will still be hung over. Not likely to vote then.
As for the smug Saladin Ambar who thinks voting is illogical, maybe he concluded that because that is how he votes. Earth to Saladin, other people think about their voting. Especially conservatives.
Oh, and what’s in a name? Saladin?