Separating fact from fiction in the 2008 Presidential campaign
Allow me a few minutes on my soapbox -
Here in the US we’re in the midst of a very important Presidential election. The crowds turning out and people tuning in are proof that now more than ever citizens are interested in what each Presidential candidate, his running mate and party stands for and ultimately in the outcome of the election. Convention viewership for both Democratic and Republican parties were at an all-time high with many tuning into both conventions, regardless of their party affiliation.
Personally, I haven’t been as interested (or as my husband says, more obsessed) with another election…ever. I don’t know whether it’s the natural order of things - you get older, you get more interested or more concerned - or that people are so worried about our country, its direction, and the future our children will inherit. We know this election is critical.
I remember back in the good ‘ol days, when I use to wind down at the end of the day with a glass of wine, turn on the TV and tune into a favorite sitcom, news magazine, or, (yes, I’m guilty) the latest Young and the Restless episode on Soapnet.
Boy, have things changed for me!
Now, starting back with the primaries, it has been news, news, news, and more news, as much as I can get…cable news at night, cable news in the morning, and streaming news during the day. I watch and listen to a slew of different shows/networks - Fox, CNN, MSNBC, NPR - in order to get a view from all perspectives. I have to because each has a filter, be it liberal or conservative, so to get a well-informed, accurate view of the political landscape, I’ve found it necessary to “over-compensate” by tuning into a lot of political coverage. Okay, it’s my choice and the tact I’ve decided to take, but at least I’m informed, right?
Well, not exactly.
Why? Because it’s hard to get a straight answer from anywhere these days, certainly not from the politicians or from those who report on those politicians. It’s all about spin, opinions and sound bytes (often distorted by exaggeration, out-of-context references, or down-right lies).
So what’s a person to do?
I’ve often thought, there’s truth in advertising laws for commercial products and services so why can’t the same hold true for politics? I’m talking about the political ads, campaign speeches, political interviews, debates, that during the political campaign inundate the average person with vague, misleading double-speak. What I’d like to see is if an individual, political party, network, or other organization distorts the truth for political gain, and there’s proof that it is a distortion, then they are fined…and a significant one at that.
Why not? If the FCC finds it necessary to fine “shock jocks” for discussing offensive subject matter on public air waves, why is it less offensive to use those very same air waves to spread political lies and half-truths. Let’s face it, the result of people making decisions based on political distortions can be as destructive as those same people choosing a product or service based on false claims. Just ask the families of our men and women in uniform who have either lost a loved one or whose loved ones are suffering from physical or emotional injuries sustained in a war waged for reasons the majority of Americans feel were exaggerated and distorted.
What I want to see is ordinary people being able to make decisions about what is best for them, their families and their country…without the distortions, spins and lies. It’s probably a pipe dream, I know, but it’s my pipe dream, and I can hope. Luckily, all is not lost because there are a couple of sites I’ve found where you can sort through the spin and uncover the truth - FactCheck.org and Politifact.com.
FactCheck.org is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, “consumer advocate” for voters whose mission is to reduce the deception and confusion in U.S. politics. They monitor the factual accuracy of what is said by major U.S. political players in TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews, and news releases. A project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) of the University of Pennsylvania established by publisher and philanthropist Walter Annenberg, the APPC accepts NO funding from business corporations, labor unions, political parties, lobbying organizations or individuals.
The St. Petersburg Times of Florida and Congressional Quarterly of Washington, D.C. – two of America’s most trusted, independent newsrooms – have created Politifact.com to help voters separate fact from falsehood in the 2008 presidential campaign. Journalists and researchers from the Times and CQ fact-check the accuracy of speeches, TV ads, interviews and other campaign communications. They publish new findings every day on the site and list sources for all to see.
Grudgingly, there are times I have to admit there may be some truth to my husband’s claims I’ve gotten a little out of hand when it comes to this election, and, yes, maybe a little obsessed. But the stakes are high - our national security, our children’s future, and the welfare of our world. We’ve made our share of mistakes as a nation, and there’s not many more chances for a “do-over”…we’ve got to get this one right.
Okay, I’m off my soapbox now, but let me conclude with a final request: Regardless of your party affiliation, get involved, get informed, and get out and VOTE!
Now off to planning Week Two of my husband’s 47th Eternal Birthday Celebration… the birthday I completely forgot and will forever make up for while obsessing, I mean focusing, on the 2008 Presidential election. Just after I see who’s on tonight’s political line-up 
…
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Tags: 2008 election, political spin, politics, presidential election, US Presidential candidates
September 21st, 2008 at 2:10 pm
You are not alone. This presidential race has all of us in its grasp. I think it’s because for the first time in a long time we have a really interesting contest. This is a campaign season for the ages and will define the millenium. It inspires us to be active participants in this race. Neither of these candidates have all the answers to the nation’s woes. But, the race makes us want to “stay tuned” until the very end.