I’m not sure if it’s the responsibilities of my job here at The Reflector or if it’s my own personal interests, but until just recently I have been much more focused on Clark County politics and the Washington State Legislature than anything going on in Washington, D.C.
I did feel somewhat shamed into tuning into to watch the highlights of the recent Fox News’ presidential debate and the commentary associated with the event. I have continued since to hold a cursory interest in following the conversation about the race for our next president but I have already started to experience the same disenchantment that has led me into a land of disinterest during past presidential elections.
What frustrates me is that so many people are so focused on so many of the wrong things. And, I believe the reason for that is two fold. First, most of us have an agenda. We either are so entrenched in our own ideology or self-serving motives that we don’t allow ourselves to have an open mind to the visions of others. And second, we have so few voters in this country who actually seek a great enough understanding of the issues and the candidates that they cast an informed ballot.
I know I’m mixing local and national politics in this example, but I think the premise is still applicable. Look at the our recent Primary Election in Clark County. Less than 26 percent of the registered voters even cared enough to fill out a ballot and mail it back to Clark County Elections. That is a pathetic representation of our interest level in our own fate. And, I have to ask myself, of those 26 percent who did vote, how many actually took the time to participate in the process and arm themselves with the proper understanding of the candidates and the issues in order to make a responsible decision?
We’re all different and I’m sure of the 74 percent of Clark County voters who didn’t return a ballot in the recent primary, many have a different reason than the one I’m espousing. But, I can’t help but think that there are more folks out there who feel just as I do. And, how I feel is completely frustrated with the process and those involved in it.
My brethren in the media deserve so much of the blame. I simply don’t trust them, Fox News included, to give me an accurate representation of the story. The members of the media, and the herd that follows them, are far too often obsessed with soundbites and overly simplified characterizations of the candidates to support their own agenda. The simplest and most ridiculous things can kill a candidate’s chance to be elected.
So, what we normally end up with is a choice between the two candidates who have offended the least amount of potential voters so they are the ones left standing at the end of this increasingly dysfunctional process.
I purposely left all candidates’ names out of this musing. Many of you would have tried to deduce something from any references I made. I have not made up my mind who my choice is for our next president and I’m not even close. But, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if my choice was someone who gets bumped out of the race long before the finish line because the type of candidate who inspires me is usually someone to frightening to the average person.
Add to that my frustration with the Republican Party, which I share with Dallas Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban who recently offered this: “I would prefer to be a Republican. I want smaller government. I want smarter government. Just like most Republicans. Put aside that I disagree with Republicans on most social issues. The Republicans have a much bigger problem that will crush them in every Presidential election until this changes. The Republican Party requires that all their Presidential candidates Conform to Consensus. If you don’t agree with every platform of the party not only are you called a RINO, a ‘Republican In Name Only,’ you are considered unelectable in primaries and become a source of scorn on Fox News.’’
I heard a soundbite this morning from Joe Maddon, the manager of Major League Baseball’s Chicago Cubs. Maddon said that a person had to be a little crazy in order to be great. I agree with him. But, in this country, if you’re even a little bit crazy, the media and the average voter will be scared to death.
Ken Vance
Editor
