Is it true that most Americans vote based on name-recognition and not policies?

Answer 1

Hopefully it isn't "most" but I think that some people vote based on that plus party lines, looks, personality and other things that probably shouldn't be given a lot of consideration in a vote. It takes a lot of time to really be an "informed" voter so people tend to take the easy way and vote based on those items or other peoples opinions.

Answer 2

Name recognition helps (if George W's last name were "Doakes", he'd be night manager of a 7-11) but it isn't enough. People vote mostly on whether they LIKE a guy, and not on policy. So they'll vote for a right-winger one election, and a moderate Liberal the next.

Answer 3

I fear it is. I hope not vehemently though for whatever that is worth.

This time, I'm paying much closer attention to the primaries and this will be my first time voting in them. Before, I could never settle on a party. But this time, I'm leaning towards the democrats because they share my values and beliefs the closest. But I am looking at candidates from both parties.

I like Dennis Kucinich, John Edwards, and Chris Dodd.
I respect and admire Ron Paul.
I like candidates that take principle stands and can withstand the abuse they receive. That shows character and confidence. It is moral.

Answer 4

Most people vote for who they 'think' will win rather than who they think will be the better president. Their fear of voting for the proverbial 'loser' far out weighs their common sense and instincts regarding the qualifications of the candidates. This mind set must be changed, how? I don't know, but it will change the way campaigns are now run, that's for sure.

Answer 5

depending on the assistance i understand to be real and evaluation of blacks in my section.. i'm able to say definite. in difficulty-free words an extremely few human beings i understand in this section are in difficulty-free words voting because he's black. Many if no longer most of the individuals i understand and characteristic requested have reported that both they are Democrats and continually vote Democrat or to my wonder supply a itemizing of motives they trust him on coverage.. (wellbeing care; taxes; Iraq) That reported, there are continually going to be the dimwits who vote on race and for them i'm sorry. i do not imagine Stern in Racist, i do no longer evaluate him to be "good" on a lot of something yet he positive does make a good radio educate. i trust a similar about Colbert. regardless of the actual undeniable reality that i love him and experience his statement.. i do not take it as heavily as i'd a syndicated information editor or information anchor.

Answer 6

No, definitely not true for MOST Americans... and absolutely not true for me...but maybe some. That is one reason they give when an incumbent wins, but it could also be that the person did a good job with his prior term.

Answer 7

Nope. The American people knew the names of all of the republicans they recently voted out of office and I'm sure they'll know the names of the rest that get voted out of office in 2008.

Answer 8

Most uneducated Americans do that. the smart ones study the individual, not vote party lines

Answer 9

and party recognition.

The sad thing is that even the political commentators rarely discuss the substance of a candidate's stance, and instead focus on things like style and tone. It seems we want a person who looks and sounds like a president more than we want a person who has wise policies.

Answer 10

I don't know about everyone else. I vote the issue that are important to me.