McCain and Clinton - crossing party lines - Age and Gender a Factor?
Does age or race really matter in the day to day lives of average American’s when it comes to picking a president? CBS News conducted a poll which asked those two questions and the answer (according to CBS) is definitely – yes. That said, when looking at a neighbor, pastor, police officer, school teacher, doctor, nurse, or other person upon whom one must rely in a life-promoting or life-threatening situation – neither race, ethnicity, (which are parallel), gender, age, or religious affiliation seem to matter. Why then, is there such a focus on these issues during this 2008 election cycle. Does racism (add ethnicity) exist in America? Of course it does – because it is taught at the university level (college courses abound on race and its significance), it is perpetuated through our music (rap specifically), our media (program aimed at targeting – it exists at all levels – whether a person is Hispanic, Black, Asian), and now, it is brought up daily by the news outlets – the later because it sells. – Friction between race and gender, like a car crash, is news. One would think, given the homogonous society in which we live, entrusting the care of our children and our lives to individuals of varied ethnic and racial backgrounds, that race would be a non-issue.
Barrack Obama and Chris Dodd - Race and Gender bias?
When it comes to choosing a president – the reality of the situation for the most part (giving that poll a generous 10% credence) is that neither race, nor age really matters – it is all about the Party - the political experience and the ideology of a particular candidate.
Gender and religious affiliation, on the other hand, have played a significant role in this particular election cycle. The “news” outlets consistently referred to Hillary Clinton in the most denigrating gender based reporting seen since Geraldine Ferraro was chosen as Walter Mondale’s VP; only in Clinton’s case it was far more blatant and far more frequent. Mike Huckabee, the former Governor of Arkansas, was consistently introduced in print articles and in broadcasts as: a Baptist Minister, with no or late mention of the fact that he was a 2-1/2 term successful Governor of the state of Arkansas.
Now the focus has shifted, and McCain and Obama are treated daily to comments regarding race and age. So, does it really matter? Try this simple poll with neighbors, family and friends: McCain or Obama – which one and why? The answers are varied, but what it comes down to is experience and trust. One might hear the following:
Re: Obama – “We don’t’ really know much about him, how can we trust him?” He’s a Democrat, but too far left”, “The Party shoved him down our throats” “He’s too guarded in his statements – not natural”. On McCain: “He’s not Obama” (No kidding), “He’s got the experience”, “I think he’ll continue to reach across the aisle and get some work done” The Respondents (this is Massachusetts): Independents and Democrats. (The lone Republican was asking the questions).
Neither age nor race was considered – Also, of note: neither candidate was a first choice which was made clear. People do agree that it is time for a change, but feel that little has changed in the quality of candidate. The only factor that is a bit different this election cycle from the last is that one party has been left far more divided that the other. It remains to be seen how the obvious “witch hunt” (irony), within the party vise a vise Hillary Clinton will impact the outcome of the general election. All of this is a bit premature, as neither political party has gone through the convention process (rather a moot point one would think), where the polls generally reflect a “bounce” or increase in interest, for each Party’s nominee. Once that dust settles and October rolls around, the real issues will come to the forefront, whether it is economics or national security, and who is more trusted to lead their party and the country for the betterment of the nation. It will not be a vote against one or the others race and/or age, rather the vote will be against or for the political affiliation and personal ideology of the candidate.
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