Dr Bob: “Why do people vote the way they do?”
Slept thru Poli Sci
Dear Slept:
As you would know had you stayed at least partially awake during one of your courses, there are several theories trying to answer that question.
I, of course, have my own which I call, “L.O.P or Least Objectionable Politician.”
You laugh, eh?
Let me explain the theory. Basically, it is taken from my own studies about selecting television programs to watch. My theory goes this way:
There are two types of television viewers: Assertive viewers and Passive viewers.
An assertive viewer goes to the TV with the intent of watching a particular show.
By contrast, passive viewers are not engaged in watching a specific program Their primary decision is to “watch TV.”
Remote control unit in hand, the aggressive viewer tunes to his program’s channel immediately.
Passive viewer holds the remote and then begins to shop around. Click. Click. Click. No, that’s a re-run. Click. Click. Click. Never liked this show. Click. Click. Click. Well, this might be ok. Click. Click. Click. Commercials…Click. Click. Click. Ok, back to that one.
The passive viewer is not engaged in the activity of finding the best show to watch but the least objectionable program. He’s watching TV.
In politics its pretty similar. People first decide to vote (watch TV). Those (of us) who have a favorite candidate (program) go right to that space on our ballots and vote. No channel changing.
Meanwhile others start a mental search for who will get their vote.
Click. Click. Click. I can’t pronounce her name. Click. Click. Click. My brother-in-law has the same name. I never liked him. Click. Click. Click.Ok…I think I remember this name. Seems ok. He’s got my vote.
The result: Least Objectionable Politician can often win by doing nothing except putting up signs can increasing their name ID.
Dr. Bob
