When Your Political Opinion Isn't Yours Alone

Wall Street Journal ^ | 10/10/2008 | SAM SCHECHNER

[outfield]

During Tuesday night's presidential debate, Sen. Barack Obama was talking about health care, and most of 25 undecided voters in Columbus, Ohio, liked what they heard. They turned knobs on small, wireless dials in their hands -- and a graph representing their immediate reaction was aired live to about 9.2 million people watching CNN.

CNN has aired these squiggly lines live on the bottom of the screen for all of the debates held since September. Some have called the readout addictive, others find it distracting.

But live feedback graphics may have another effect. Recent psychological experiments suggest they can influence viewers' judgments. That might give tiny focus groups outsize influence, especially over undecideds. But there is a broader question: How much of our political opinions are our own?

[outfield]

Thanks CNN, but I can decide for myself.

[cvq3842]

I watch Fox, which doesn’t have them during the debate.

I really don’t want to undersell the intelligence of the American electorate. All I can say is that it will get the government it asks for.

I pray that it’s not Obama.

[Shanty Shaker]

When it comes to health care there is only one thing the goverment should do.—— Prosecute anybody who breaks the law.

[OrioleFan]

CNN instructions to group:

1) When Obama starts speaking, turn knob gradually to the right (up). Sharp turns to the right will clue the viewing audience in that the fix is in.

2) Whenever Obama says John McCain turn knob to the right a little faster.

3) If Obama says “uh” turn knob slightly left and then go back to turning knob to the right.

4) When Obama says “change” turn knob all the way to the right.

[imintrouble]

I hate it when psychologists try to get into scheme which belittles the profession.

I can guarantee whether the “undecided” have not consciously brought their decision into their daily lives, they have already decided. I also believe some who profess indecision at this stage of the campaign are fudging.

Why? Because their mores and traditions ingrained since childhood will dictate much of what they feel comfortable with.

It isn’t voodoo - it is the training a child receives - that is how socialism springs into adults and nations. Without any traumatic break during the formative years while the brain sorts out personal logic of right and wrong and consequences, the choice will have already been made - whether recognized and followed (or not).

We all desire acceptance of the herd and we constantly seek a leader who will reinforce our need for comfort.

A choice of two is the most comfortable (while limiting)- when it gets into multiples, anxiety reigns and spoils the reactive behavior of automatic selection.

[cvq3842]

I know what you mean.