What is it about elections that bring out the worst in everyone?

Question

I mean really.... Look at some of these questions, they're appalling:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AqQirBVi9mrx8mmN3ufcl7_zy6IX?qid=20061107094924AAHyoob

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ApvJfQwkY6niDsnX1iEm6Cfzy6IX?qid=20061107094845AAxMtD6

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AjXmdPhCzC32kEyNiV3yfGDzy6IX?qid=20061107091839AA9irJS

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AvjrQT63hvWK7wy4qiHG8qHzy6IX?qid=20061107085743AA6j3Hu

Do people REALLY think that asking these kinds of hateful, inflammatory, juvenile questions will persuade people to agree with them?

Is it so impossible to discuss these issues without indulging in name-calling, over-generalization, and demonization of your opponents?

And I DON'T want to hear "That's what Democrats do," or "Stupid Republicans, ask them...."

Both sides are guilty of this.

Another example: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AtkD4Ev1AzQ61DEfxEmY4gjsy6IX?qid=20061107093512AA4wr9J

Answer 1

I've found that most Q's here on YA are not meant to gain information or stimulate civil discourse. Instead, people here tend to use YA as a "soapbox".

But the great free-speech tradition of the soapbox is lost in this medium. That's because these Q's and A's are anonymous. For a soapbox to be effective, the audience needs to see the speaker (and vice-versa). Most of what's written here would never be said to someone's face.

Here, we have to wade through what amounts to verbal graffiti, scrawled in the dead of night when no one can tell who the author is. Graffiti artists and slash-and-burn spam Q-er's share a common trait. They are children or imbeciles (or both).

Still, I find some gems (like this Q)... enough to make it worthwhile!

Answer 2

some very disillusioned people hold up election day as some sort of magickal event that will fix everything they view to be wrong with the country. focusing so much attention on the negatives they perceive, combined with feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, make them quite irritable--like two year old half an hour before nap time. of course you cannot have a reasonable discussion with a cranky toddler! some people are capable of discussing politics rationally, but we are overshadowed and out-yelled by the babies. maybe once they are layed down, we adults could have a conversation...heehee.

Answer 3

I think it's very simple. When a party is run down by the opposition, then the opposition might look better in the eyes of the public.
Of course it's just ignorance to behave in such a manner.

Answer 4

Actually, the behavior by liberals seems consistently disgusting to me throughout the year. I will admit they get a little more froggy when they sense one of their rare political victories, but I remain confident the people in the USA who have real values and are proud of their heritage will NEVER allow liberal weakness and decay to control our lives.

Answer 5

The divide of political parties. If everyone was indepedent they would have to run on what they have versus what the other guy doesn't.

Answer 6

because the tyrant republicans know that we can take some power back and set this country straight

Answer 7

Well what do you expect from the DNC side?