Voter Apathy: When candidates are inspirational, voter apathy ceases to be a factor. Both Obama and Palin are inspirational and charismatic candidates. Granted, they each appeal to different sides of the human psyche - Obama appeals to our better instincts, seeks to unify the country and appears to sincerely hope to do the greatest good for the greatest number of Americans. Palin, on the other hand, is satisfied with a strategy of "divide and conquer", focusing on Real America (implying some parts of the country aren't really American), name calling (accusing those on the left of being "Socialists", or "terrorists" or "unpatriotic") and emotional appeals rather than positive programs. The common thread between the two is their ability to inspire segments of the electorate. It remains to be seen if it is hope or fear that is the greater motivator.
Undecided Voters: I'm beginning to think, particularly at this late stage of the game, that the "Undecided Voter" is a myth. News reports of 8-9 hour waits in early voter lines in Atalanta (specifically) and in other places across the country (in general) are a great deterrent to any voter who isn't at least a little committed to their choice. If one doesn't have a clue who they're voting for at this point, there really isn't a lot of time to get emotionally involved enough to put up with the wait to vote. Anyone who says they're "undecided" at this point is either a liar or they're a non-voter.
Polls and Weather Reports: ... have a lot in common. I wonder if pollsters weren't invented to make weather reporters look good.
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