On October 18, Jimmy Kemmel had a segment asking people, on Hollywood Blvd., who they thought won the First Lady Debate between Michelle Obama and Ann Romney. Most thought Michelle had won while another thought Ann had. These people went on about how Michelle was more aggressive and accurate. One did admit to having only watched part of it. The Ann supporter was asked if there was anything in particular that Ann said. The woman replied, no I just like the way she looks.
The trouble with all this is there is no such thing as a First Lady Debate. Nada. Zilch. So what’s going on here? Are they transferring what they saw the candidates do to the candidate’s wives? Or have we been bombarded with so many ads, talk shows appearances and “news” of these women that it seems they have done a debate? Maybe but that doesn’t really explain how people actually “watched” it.
Or could it be something entirely different – vanity. Could these people, when approached by a reporter, want not to appear uninformed or stupid so they agree there was one and proclaim their views about this fictitious debate? Sounds a little like The Emperor’s New Clothes, doesn’t it?
I have to admit this insight has me a tad worried about the American voter. If they believe they saw the First Lady Debate what other things are they being swayed into thinking?
Why do you think people said they watched something that didn't happen?
Note: this was to have been posted sooner but Sandy had other plans for me.
It might be the term,'debate'. It can refer to the 'question of' who is the superior first lady choice and not an actual debate.They might be thinking in those terms. I know the American people often are ignorant of the facts. I hope they aren't this clueless. We'll find out on election day.
ReplyDeleteMaybe that's it but it seemed to me it was as it sounded. I'm with you in hoping they're not this clueless.
DeleteI'm ever amazed at these people-on-the-street interviews. It's daunting to consider that some of these people will be voting tomorrow--and their vote will count the same as those who have studied and studied for months. Alas, democracy! LOL.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes wonder how many people they interview until they get the results they want. Obviously they were going for a more humorous dumb person slant sort of like Jay Leno's Jay walking. The stupidity of those people scare me and they vote and procreate. lol
DeleteGreat commentary, Donna. I think people just can't help but see things in ta spirit of competition. It's human nature to some degree. Especially so in such a divided populace.
ReplyDeleteAs an aside, you won a free e-copy of my contemporary YA romance, On Thin Ice. I appreciate your commenting at my blog tour stop in October. Contact me @pjsharon64@gmail.com to claim your prize!
Thanks PJ. Yes human nature can be quite competitive.
ReplyDeleteOooooh great! I'll get in touch with you. Thanks.
I'm rarely surprised by anything people say or do these days. Does that mean I'm old and cynical, or just aware?
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Donna. Happy you have survived the aftermath of the Super Storm and hope you fare better pwower-wise with Athena.
Glad you liked the post.
DeleteIf you're old and cynical, I'm right there with you but I'll opt for aware. :)
Hope you have your power back. It sucks without it but I don't have to tell you that.
You know, my daughter and her friend walked up to the boulevard one afternoon with a video camera in hand. They asked people five simple questions. One was, "Who gave the Gettysburg Address?" One of the answers was, "Gettysburg." (btw - out of 7 people, only one person answered this one correctly.)
ReplyDeleteMy point is that people, unfortunately, are clueless.
About the "first lady debate", however, I think people responded to their overall opinions of the women and how they behaved/presented themselves during the campaigns. At least, that's my hope. :-/
That's really interesting what your daughter did. 1 out of 7 knew, huh. That's really pitiful.
DeleteI hope so too but that doesn't answer how that man watched part of it.
Lol! I've been concerned about the American voter WAY before this exercise. And I have to say, I'm not surprised one bit. The irony in the "power" the undecided voter in the end (when they probably care about politics the least) is truly poetic. No, not suprised @ all. ;)
ReplyDelete-Tuere
I have concerns about the American voter too. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDelete