Commentary
Seducing the Independents
 

Before the last word of the third Presidential debate faded, media polls were doing the same thing they had done after the first two debates. They were feeling the pulse of the largest voting block in the country, the Independents, trying to find out if either Bush or Gore made voter hearts beat fast enough to get them out to vote.

Regardless of how voters register, most are “independent.” The reason neither the Bush nor the Gore campaign inspires voters is not their personalities; it’s the general history of political campaigns.

In the past both sides of the ruling group made promises designed to give their core members a reason to vote. Although some voters remain hopeful, few really believe candidates will keep their promises. The lack of interest in this election is because voters, remembering the past, noticed that the big promises like tax and health care reform were never kept, even with one party in control. Government spending was cut — in safety, service, and oversight areas — but not in pork barrel projects.

The only recent improvement in the quality of life for most Americans is the economy. But since the insiders profit by swings up and down, we can count on a dip.

Across America, many local races and referendums will impact lives and communities. These issues bring out voters because they answer some of the small “what’s in it for me” questions. But the big questions remain on hold.

Esther