Attention to Political News
Posted: Friday, October 02, 2009
by Joel Hirschhorn
http://www.delusionaldemocracy.com
You may be surprised, as I was, that a recent poll found that more Americans than ever are paying attention to national political news. But this does not necessarily mean that American democracy is in good shape.
Here are the key summary statistics from the poll: 36 percent follow news about national politics very closely, 42 percent somewhat closely, 16 percent not too closely and just 6 percent not at all. With seemingly little newspaper readership and even relatively low numbers for network news shows, not to mention people being consumer with surviving financially, these numbers are worth attention. Especially surprising is that 6 percent figure for people not following national politics at all. Frankly, it just does not seem compatible with what usually seems like massive disinterest in politics.
Wait, there are some more fascinating data. For men, 42 percent follow political news very closely, much higher than the 30 percent for women. Are women naturally less interested in politics, or are they just a whole lot busier?
And dig this: Older Americans, 65 and above, have a striking 46 percent following politics very closely, far greater than the 19 percent for those age 18 to 29. Young people probably have more to lose with a lousy political system than older people, but obviously are either more disinterested or cynical.
What about education level? No surprise here. Those with a high school education or less have just 26 percent paying very close attention, compared to 41 percent for college educated.
And for income level, a similar result: those making $75,000 or more yearly have 45 percent paying close attention, compared to just 26 percent for those making less than $30,000.
An awful lot of people that suffer the consequences of political decisions should be paying a lot more attention to political news. If they did, they might vote differently, if they vote at all. If corruption of American politicians by corporate and other special interests is ever to be killed, it will take a lot more Americans caring much more about political events.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)I'm in that 46 percentile! Great article, Joel.
Best.........e
I've never attended a party meeting of any sort. Voted Independent all my life. Never paid much attention to politics until after I retired. Went to the DC TEA Party, my first and probably last political rally. I am a strong advocate for a new political party, specifically, the Republic Sentry Party. I think that being a family bread winner and managing a career doesn't leave much time for focusing on the political situation, no matter how bad. But, fer shure, as an old geezer, I'm also in the 46 percentile. IMO there is absolutely no accountability in the political system. And, voters demand absolutely nothing of their politicians. Greatest transfer of wealth in human history, some $7 trillion dollars, and barely a whimper. Free trade absolutist are taking us down, turning us into a developing country fast but few seem concerned. Folks are willing to play whatever number comes up. IMO, we need reform fast and the only way to achieve reform, and keep it that way is through a third party with a different political attitude, such as Republic Sentry. As the economy worsens, and I believe it will, I am hopeful that people will begin to look for a political solution to our Corpocracy form of governmentl.
You are absolutely right, the youth of America needs to get off the iPhone and start paying attention. It is their future. Well done.
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