1. Is American news media too dependent upon polls? Is it appropriate for news agencies to create polls and then report on them? Why or why not?
I don't think American news media is too dependent upon polls. I think that polls are a good thing because they show what Americans are thinking and what their opinions on current events are. I do think it is appropriate for news agencies to create polls and then report on them. I think it's a good thing to know what the majority of Americans are thinking on subjects like war and taxes. I like to see if the majority of Americans support Obama or disagree with the way he is running office. I think that the government would react a whole lot differently to potential bills and laws if public opinion wasn't able to be accessed so easily.
2. How important is political party identification to you (e.g. as a Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, etc.)? Was it more or less important to your parents & grandparents? Does it seem more or less important to your friends? Why or why not?
Personally, I think that political party identification gets too heated. Too many people argue about politics and a lot of unnecessary turmoil is created. I was raised in a Republican household, so unfortunately I have heard a lot of negative things about Democrats, but honestly I don't really label myself as any political party. My parents and grandparents are really strong Republicans because they are business owners and doctors. As many of you know, the new healthcare bill reduces the pay of doctors. My friends are like me... they don't support one of the other. I agree with some things that Republicans believe in and I also agree with some things that Democrats say. If I were forced to claim a political party, I guess I'd say I was Independent.
3. Do you feel that you opinion of politics is more influenced by economic issues or by social issues? Why?
I do not feel that my opinion of politics is more influenced by economic issues or by social issues. I've always felt the same way about politics. Like I stated in question 2, I think politics causes problems between people that are completely ridiculous. I was friends with a woman who divorced her husband because they argued too much about politics... how sad! When there is a war going on, I'll always stick to my opinions on war. I'm not quick to change my beliefs based on current events.
Commented on:
1. Megan Biggs
2. Cassandra Kunsman
3. Donna Spradlin
I agree with you on question #2, politics get very heated. They don't support each other. I also agree with Republicans on some matter and Democrats on another matter.
ReplyDeleteI COMPLETELY agree with your opinion on the media’s dependence on polls. When I went to the link the professor provided there was a chart stating the satisfaction rate for Obama stood at 49-50 or basically something around half and half. That’s crazy in my mind. I think your last sentence to number one was the most important sentence of all! You make a great point that not many think about. I liked your thoroughness with the answer on number two. There are a lot of useless arguments over party choices.
ReplyDeleteDepending on which media outlet is chosen, will affect which poll out come you will hear. News media is going to publish which ever poll looks good for their political agenda. I do think that American citizens are to dependent on polls simply because the information that is published is taken at face value.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with Cassandra in regard to your last sentence. There is no way some of these bills wold be allowed to pass when that indiviual is banking on public opinion to keep him/her in office.
I agree with you about the political parties. A lot of people vote republican or democrat just because of the party name, not because of the issues. I've always thought that it's a good idea to hold elections based on issues not people. Instead of voting for a name, in the booth you vote which issues you believe in. That way people begin to care more about what the elected official will do for the country whether than what political party he belongs to.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you views on political parties. My parents and grandparents are very strong with there political parties as well but i'm like you I agree with something that the republicans say and something's that the democrat's say. I like what Jenna said I think we should vote based on the issues no the people but im not quite sure how that would work out.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about the news getting the opinions out there. I also think the obama mess is going to bring this country further apart than together. I also agree the Political parties argu way to much and can lead to the heated arguments which you brought up. My parents support their party 100% which I tend to lean their way also.I believe that Economical and Social issues are both very important to all.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about the news is not too dependent on polls. It helps us to keep informed about how everyone feels as a majority. Polls are a great way to voice our opinion as a whole, even thought there is a little error. I do not like political parties either. I agree differently on different issues at hand. It is just according to what is going on in the world. I would rather make an opinion on an issue, than to just go along with a particular political party.
ReplyDelete