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Candidates to Voting Public: Nobody Cares What You Have to Say
Andreas Stefanovich In a campaign in which it has been difficult to distinguish one side from the other, the Democratic and Republican candidates have found yet another point they agree on. Americans should butt out of the 2004 Presidential Election. Bombarded with political rallies, get out the vote campaigns, etc., some of them thought that it was important to make their voices be heard. But now politicians are sending a different message- Shut up, unless we tell you to speak. Early indications of this campaign theme were evident at the Democratic National Convention where, Nily Rozic reports, "During every speech a different sign is given out to the crowd, so that they cheer when the cue is given. On command, people hold up their respective signs and scream as long as possible at times mimicking a rock concert." In recent weeks, the message has only intensified as John Kerry has urged President Bush to denounce a television ad funded by Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. Kerry has previously condemned an ad criticizing President Bush's service record. President Bush has responded with a call for 527 groups to stop airing political ads. "I hope my opponent joins me in condemning these activities of the 527 -- I think they're bad for the system," Bush said. Arizona Senator John McCain has called on both sides to condemn ads from independent organizations. This comes as no surprise from the co-sponsor of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, better known as the McCain Feingold Act, which bans most radio or TV ads appearing within 60 days of an election and which refer to a clearly identified candidate. Voters are understandably confused. Megan Richardson who had just registered to vote for the first time at a Rock the Vote booth at a concert said, "Like, I thought my voice counted, but it's like the candidates are saying, like, we don't care what you, like, have to say, like just shut up and vote and, like, leave us alone." When asked what he thought of the trend of candidates condemning anyone who shares information about them publicly, voter John Simmons waxed philosophical. "Do they not realize by doing this that they are essentially comparing themselves to head cheese or meatloaf surprise? Sometimes it's just best not to know what a candidate is made of." Long-time voter Patrick Fitzpatrick just wishes the candidates would shut up themselves. "Lalala, I can't hear you, lalala," he said while covering his ears.
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