How come US elections are decided over such minor issues as abortion and gay marriage?

Question

And how come major issues such as the economy, health and education get so little attention in comparison? I'm not saying that abortion and gay marriage should not be discussed in elections. They are not insignificant, but in comparison to the above, they are very MINOR issues that just seem to be fashionable at the moment. They don't even affect 95% of the population, and the 5% that they DO apply to, have much bigger worries anyhow, such as how to make ends meets etc. Why do people worry so much about these issues and ignore the big issues that their very survival depends upon?

Answer 1

Because the politicians already know who is voting for which party as a majority, so it is the minority they concentrate on. Throw them a curve vote independant, he won't win but it will send a message and perhaps make them think. Oh my god did I just say something about politicians thinking, it must be late or I'm drunk.

Answer 2

What a great question. Its one that I ask myself from time to time. With all the problems facing the nation on domestic issues such as social security and those that you list how is it that there's time to make such a big deal out of abortion and gays.

The reason is that for our elected officials it takes no work, and its a political hot button. Solving real problems takes effort and compromise and sometimes statesmanship, and we've had very little of any of that for a long time.

As for the general public, listen to talk radio. It's easy to stir up hate if you spin the issue enough. Social security issues, healthcare, and the economy do not lend themselves to sound bites. They take some thought and study, and most folks prefer sound bites, as opposed to thought and study.

Answer 3

This nation appears to be very divided.
I don't believe that is as true as the news media would have you believe.
For the media, the appearance of strong division make for greater controversy. That equals greater viewership and that translates to revenue for them.
On the other hand, both parties play to their respective BASES because that is the source of their revenue.
Those BASES are actually small minorities compared to the total number of voters.
Unfortunately those bases are EXTREME in their views.
You mentioned abortion as an issue. The extremes range from NONE EVER!! to PARTIAL BIRTH MURDERING OF BABIES IS OKAY!!
It is an emotional issue and really gets our attention.
What the voting public needs to do is shelve the emotions and THINK!
Obviously most of us don't feel either extreme is appropriate.
I think the majority wants more moderate candidates but don't get them.

My belief is that we should promote those candidates who represent our views EARLY in the campaign cycle. We also need to get out and vote for who we want in the PRIMARIES.
If you don't vote in the primaries, you don't have any business complaining come general election time.
I like to view candidates as someone who is trying to sell me on their ideas. If I don't buy their ideas, they don't get my vote.
I vote for the PRODUCT I want. I don't care what the sex or the race of the person is.

Answer 4

"Emotional hot buttons" get people all riled up, so politicians use such non-issues as flag-burning, abortion, and gay marriage to sensationalize themselves. Talking about how to reform a corrupt political system, or a health care policy that would benefit all Americans, or our crumbling infrastructure, or our sub-standard educational system, or a depleted ozone layer, or global warming, or recycling, or the immorality of the entertainment industry, or the unethical media, or air and water pollution, or saving rainforests, or helping our homeless, sick, elderly, hungry and disadvantaged - is simply too overwhelming for most politicians. -RKO- 04/10/07

Answer 5

Nothing minor about your issues mentioned.
Had an abortion and was un informed back in 1982.
I'm happy and gay meaning in my day just that (my parent's day anyway if u don't get it love life enjoy tip toe thru tulips kinda happy) I can't beat the advise above but this election will not reflect those issues.
Yes, people have far much more to worry about. But, in reality most won't even take the time to investigate the issues let alone vote. Sadly, they will just read the headlines.
It's another form of denial. If I don't hear it, listen it doesn't exist.

Answer 6

That is your Republican Party that runs on that silly minor issue. A woman has right to choose and Gay People have the right to choose. If one of their daughter was raped I guarantee you'd never know it but that little baby would be aborted. There are more Republicans in the Senate and House that are still in the closet, look at old Foley he had them all fooled except Hasert and his leaders

Answer 7

Well first of all, the life of a child is more important than any monetary issue there is.
@nd, we have over 94% employment, a record stock market, low interest rates resulting in the larget number of new home buyers in decades. Bush was right on abortion and he was right on cutting taxes to stimulate the economy. It works every time.

Answer 8

The media likes the controversial topics - that's what sells. I vote for the main issues - taxes, economy, immigration, education, defense, etc. - the issues that affect me most. I think most voters go with the important stuff, too. But it just doesn't make good headline material, so we don't hear about it as much.

Answer 9

Because of the bible. That's their only arguement ever. A story book written 2,000 years ago is the reason why two committed men or women can't legally be together.

Answer 10

Because most people have no lives.