Although Election Day 2000 is nearly 11 months away, publicity for the presidential campaigns is already rampant and will continue to grow as November nears. But now, more than ever, is the time to focus on the candidates and the issues rather than tune out the seeming barrage of impossible promises and slogans.
Whether it be apathy, rebellion or lack of knowledge, each election day brings small numbers of voters to the polls. But there is no excuse for shunning the information that will help the nation make an educated decision about its future, especially with an 11-month head start at becoming acquainted with the candidates.
While the race is young, voters have the opportunity to weed out the candidates. The presidential primary elections begin around the nation in February and carry into June. If voters allow publicity to blend into the landscape of daily life, issues will be carried along with it.
It was not very long ago that a revolutionary attitude swept over America. But there were causes to fight for as news cameras turned to Tiananmen Square, Berkeley and Washington D.C. There may not be many causes as deserving of protest as the Vietnam War or communism in the United States today, but by paying attention to the smaller issues, the need for such demonstrations in the future will shrink.
The many drop-ins and drop-outs of the presidential race may seem confusing and even intimidating. But all it takes is a little time to distinguish the Gores from the Bushes. Besides, the issues on the debate table seem awfully familiar. “No new taxes,” “Don’t ask, don’t tell,” and “I am not a crook” seem to be sticking around the political mainframe.
This is where the weeding becomes easier.
One must find the candidate whose stance on major issues personally hits home.
Although campaign 2000 has been in the works for months and has already been covered on every front page in America, the debates are just warming up. Amid the channel surfing, take time to listen to what is being said. The extra time before the final vote can make a difference. It may seem like televised debates are nothing but the candidates’ fight for airtime, but amid the struggle, viewers will discover that issues and their solutions are behind the candidates’ smiles and handshakes.
