Over the past thirty years grassroots activism has been fundamental to as well as an integral part of my life. A true believer that we could make things better. I volunteered my service in a variety of roles such as, precinct chairman, county chairman, election judge and campaign chairman for various local, state and national candidates.
However, after more than twenty years of activism the last few years (about 5) have been marked more by apathy than activism and disillusionment over dedication. Having said this, one might conclude that this post is being written with a heavy dose of skepticism and cynicism. I will admit that this is most likely true.
A recent CBS News poll found that 70% of Americans believe that Obama holds the same values as they do. The same poll found that 66% believe that McCain holds the same values as they do. Clinton was at 44%. The margin of error if plus or minus 4%. When one considers the margin for error then, the two leading candidates are dead even.
One wonders how this can be true when the two leading candidates positions appear to be opposite one another. These two men are diametrically opposed on almost every issue. How can these polls be correct? How can the American people hold such obviously contradictory positions?
I would suggest that the answer to these questions is not to be found in analyzing the candidates but the electorate. Post-modernism has become such a dominate philosophy in the last ten years that this may be truly the first post-modern election in the nations history. It is a post-modern electorate that is evaluating the candidates based upon how they feel about the candidates rather than the logical evaluation of the candidates positions. Logic in the traditional or historical context does not enter into the post-modern point of view.
This may be most true of Obama who has never clearly defined his plans or programs. He always speaks in generalities, yet the electorate in mass believe his ideas to be more like theirs than the other candidate. He speaks of change but what that means is left up to each individual to determine for himself. He is about show business (flash) and style rather than substance. Yet, a post-modern electorate is certain that it knows exactly what he stands for and believes.
In the interest of fairness McCain may not have the flash or appeal of Obama but, his positions are not clearly defined either. His positions seem to change from day to day and place to place. The only one that seems consistent is his position on the war in Iraq. Where he stands on most issues is determined by how the electorate feels about him as a person. Which is connected to his status as a prisoner of war and the things he endured and overcame during that time.
Clinton's poll numbers can be understood by what is commonly pointed out by the media. This is the fact that for some reason a majority of Americans simply dislike Clinton. Which is in itself a very post-modern point of view. It is a subjective and emotional evaluation rather than objective and logical.
In the final analysis, we will in this election get the elected officials we deserve (majority rules) just as we do every election year. Before the next four years are over there will be a significant number of the members of the electorate who will be displease with the choice that was made. A post-modern electorate will be dissatisfied with the post-modern election.
Is my cynicism and skepticism showing?
Bob
