Why do more people vote for American Idol than the President of the United States?

Question

Why are our values so screwed up in this country and how did they get this way? Why do we care so little about things that are so important?

Answer 1

There are probably many reasons:
Apathy, cynicism, disinterest, no passion for current issues, etc. I'm not saying that's good, but there are many reasons.

Personally, I don't believe a better voter turn out necessarily means a better election result. There are many people I know who I would rather have vote for American idol, than for something as important as a governmental election.

Too many people are easily swayed by cheap, mud-slinging adds because they don't want to do any serious thinking or research into the issues or candidates. I'd rather those people stayed home on election day.

Answer 2

Because unfortunately most people believe that their vote doesn't count and that it doesn't matter anyway. It does but they feel so far removed from the government it doesn't make sense to them. A singing contest does. Also it is much easier to vote on American Idol...you just need a phone. To vote for president you have to first register to vote and then go throught the entire process. Unfortunately this is the only system we have. It can change but we would have to get people out there voting for that to happen. I also believe that as far as being removed from the entire concept of government, you have to be informed and that takes a little effort on your part. A lot of people are so wrapped up in their own troubles they don't take the time. I have tried to instill in my children how important it is to vote. They go with me, that is the only way that I think things will eventually change.

Answer 3

The real reason more people vote for American Idol than for the president of the USA is because you don't have to be 18 to vote for American Idol. To vote for president you must be at least 18 years old. That makes millions more voters elligible to vote for American Idol than for president.
Also you have to be an American citizen and a registered voter to vote for the president. You don't have to be a citizen or registered to vote for American Idol.
Additionally, to vote for American Idol, you can simply call from any telephone to vote. To vote for the president, you have to go to your local voting booth, or request and submit an absentee vote months in advance. This can be very difficult for working professionals, or people with children to take care of. Plus you can vote multiple times on American Idol. This make the actual voter count completely inaccurate. The true number is actually far lower than what they claim on television.
It has nothing to do with values, I am surprised that you couldn't figure this out on your own.

Answer 4

Good question! I wish I knew the answer. I think a big part of it is ignorance, people don't think that "1 vote can make a difference." Of course the election results recently have been questionable, and that has something to do with it as well. 2008 is SO important to cast your vote! Look how close the last 2 elections were. If more people had gone out to vote, things could have been so much different right now.

Answer 5

It starts in the home where values aren't sacrosanct and things that are so assinine take first choice.American Idol represents escapism from the ugly realities of war in SW Asia, crime at home, famine in Africa, political turmoil in Mexico and natural disasters.Most young people in this country could care less on who the President of the United States but they'll kill themselves if they don't know which 2nd rate talent made it to the finals on American Idol.

Answer 6

You can vote more than once on American Idol and you don't have to go to the local High School and wait in line to vote for Idol either.

Answer 7

Have you seen our Presidential choices lately? It's like the lesser of two evils most of the time....and when people do come out to vote as in the Bush vs. Gore race -- they discover that their votes are not counted, they are turned away at the polls or there are other forms of fraud going on that make it a very undemocratic event and cause the President with the lesser amount of votes to win.. Sad. Very sad.

Answer 8

I tried voting for President of the United States but my vote didn't win!

Answer 9

Our vote actually counts on American Idol.

Answer 10

because most people choose to participate in any form of entertainment, such as American Idol, instead of the government. They feel that others will make the "big decision" for them, but they want to be in on the action when it comes to publicity and making a new star.