Viewpoint: Voters confused about 2000 elections

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    By Chris Moore and Amber Gardner

    American voters have election fatigue.

    The 200 Presidential race has been characterized by ambiguity and half-truth. Emphasis on the candidates personalities has taken precedent over the issues voters rely on. Some Americans are confused, and the race tightens while the platforms of Gore and Bush become more definite.

    Around Utah Valley people are frustrated, and like the rest of the nation, confused. There is very little enthusiasm about this campaign or the presidential candidates.

    One example of this is the number of closely contested states growing as we approach the election. It’s not shrinking, as is usually the case. Most people feel they are getting enough information. They believe the issues are addressed, but in a very broad, general way, not with specifics. People are seeing a lot of doublespeak, and they want to hear more straight talking about issues.

    Voters are also sick of personal attacks. The lying, finger pointing and debating has turned off many Americans to the point that they would rather watch the World Series. No matter the confusion, not many people are bringing up minor party candidates as alternatives. It is still Bush or Gore, and third-party candidacies do not resonate.

    Utah is generally a Republican slam-dunk. In fact, Utah’s five Electoral College votes haven’t gone Democrat since Lyndon Johnson won them in 1964. In 1992, Utah was the only states in the nation where the Democrats came in third – Reform party candidate Ross Perot got 26 percent of the Utah vote to Bill Clinton’s 23 percent.

    Something is likely to change forever Tuesday night. It sure would be nice to know what. The last thing we want from politics is more uncertainty. And for voters who don’t want any more change, these two clever, complicated candidates have made it hard to even guess which one is more likely to deliver it.

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