Sudden realization...

[bluisherica]

... that I am not all that excited about this election.  It's not like I've ever been super-excited about elections, though it is usually imperative that I vote and read up and do this, that and the other thing to make wise decisions.  I just... don't know.  Maybe it's just seeing people snip and snap back and forth at one another about nonsense.

Comments

[happybunnyposse]

Last election I was where you are. And I know you remember the year I was livid that McCain didn't get the nom. This year I'll be not happy if he wins the general. How times change. For the first time since my 1st election, I don't feel like I am voting for the lesser of 2 weasels.

I think what is driving my excitement this time is that the 8 years of Bush are almost over. Someone different is going to take the reigns, and for the first time in a long time, we have someone who hasn't been around the greenbelt a bunch of times. Maybe the lack of experience and motivating speeches will be his downfall and I'll be severely disappointed. Maybe things will change, maybe they won't.

Sadly, apathy is becoming normal.

[bluisherica]

I suppose it's less apathy and more disdain for the process. It's more of a disgust of the over-exposure and lameness of the entire thing

[morrigoon]

My advice is to stop watching network news and try to catch some of the candidates' full speeches on C-Span. Soundbites are convenient for newsmen, but not particularly insightful. By watching complete speeches, you get a better sense of the candidate. Of course we know speeches are often written specifically to create the soundbites, but at least you have a shot at hearing something meaty.

[bluisherica]

Actually, I have had the chance to watch a number of full speeches. You can thank me not having a full-time job for that. It's not really helping. It still sounds like the banging of the same drums we've heard election year in and election year out.

I think my disdain is probably greater reaching than just politics. It's a disdain for what surrounds me. Though I knew about some of them in advance, it seems that the latest political season has brought out the worst in some of my family members, stumping for whatever candidate they like. And it's stupid stuff, really. It's like no one knows anything.

Bleh.

Double-bleh.

[notafraid2dl]

I just feel completely disconnected with what people are excited about. I listen to debates and hear high-school cheerleaders and sales people. It's not really what I was hoping for after 8 years of Bush. I'm also surprised by how many people are swayed by the rhetoric. Maybe it's because I've seen it all before and been disappointed, so I'm less open to what people say rather than do. It's a old and tired process and it brings out the worst in people.