I never really followed American politics much, always getting Republicans and Democrats mixed up. One team roots for a donkey and the other one an elephant, right? That was all I ever got out of it. As I get more “political savvy”, it gets better.
I wonder if Americans, used to a marathon election process that seems to be designed like Death Race 2000, are aware of Canada’s political sprinters. Yesterday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced a Federal election for October 14th, 2008. Not only are we racing to the polls, but it sounds like we might have jumped the gun by almost a year according to the radio announcer this morning. Harper’s either convinced he’s a shoe-in for another term, or he’s afraid his popularity will drop faster than a hockey puck if he waits until next year. I think it’s likely the latter.
I wonder how much they’ll be spending on their election ads and the like over the next few weeks. While googling around looking for a dollar amount spent on American primaries, I came across this observation Josh Tinley made in February, 2007:
Up to a point, spending money on a campaign for public office is spending money on democracy. As a nation, we passed that point a long time ago. The billions spent on advertising of all types in this country is disturbing, but most marketing efforts are at least tied to products that are tied to jobs and the economy in general. Much of the money spent on presidential and other major political campaigns is vanity money. Thirty-second TV, radio, and Internet spots are not conducive to constructive political debate. These ads put image above substance and focus the public’s attention on incomplete truths and unfair attacks. Bumper stickers, yard signs, and web banners say little or nothing about key issues or a candidate’s ability to lead.
Same thing happens up here. Over the next few weeks, every bit of green space will be littered with posters and signs advertising the names we’ll see on the ballots in each riding. This morning, CBC Radio 1 played clip of the Conservative party’s first ad, insulting the Liberal’s green initiative as not being good enough, green enough, or helping enough fluffy bunnies or some shit. Whatever. There will be little on the television or radio that actually illustrates what each party wants to bring to their term in Parliament and how they plan to help the people.
They’ll all waste a lot energy claiming to be greener than the other guys. I can see that coming. So, how big a “carbon footprint” does election prep make?
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Edit Sept 13
According to Brian at Primordial Blog, the negative campaign is in full swing.
