[Dean's World] Dean: Elections, Horserace Reporting, and The Internets

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Posted by Dean:
Elections, Horserace Reporting, and The Internets
http://www.deanesmay.com/posts/1202749507.shtml


   You know, it used to be very common to bemoan the fact that most
   election reporting was about "the horserace rather than the issues." I
   used to be one of those who did such carping: why are the reporters
   focusing on who's doing better in the polls, and personalities, rather
   than the issues?" I would wail and gnash my teeth over it, because the
   policy issues I wanted to be part of the discourse got so little
   coverage.

   I've changed my mind on that for a few reasons. Part of it is because
   I've come to see the electorate as much smarter than it's ever been
   given credit for; the average voter is actually quite sophisticated.
   Moreover, I've realized that the internet completely turns that old
   saw on its head. No longer can most people who care claim that the
   information on where the candidates stand isn't out there; the
   internet has made it impossible to say that you have no way of knowing
   where the candidates stand. Instead we can see clearly now that the
   "horse race" is all about where voters stand on the candidates and the
   issues, and the compromises the voters and the candidates make to
   arrive at something they find acceptable.

   At least, that's how I'm increasingly starting to see it. Tell me what
   you think.