[SC Swamp Fox]

“The swing vote is critical,” Francis Marion University political scientist Neal Thigpen says. “You’ve got to have them. They hold the balance of power.”

This same guy is quoted in almost every article The State does on political matters. Don't any of the other state universities have Poli-Sci departments?

It wouldn't be so bad if he had something meaningful to say. I am sure it's a real shock to us that the swing voters, those that don't identify themselves as either rats or republicans, are important.

Hey, Neal! What about the base? What happens if either party's base stays home? Do you think John F'n Kerry or Inez Tenenbaum are going to really motivate the rat base?

[visualops]

The people often quoted on various subjects, these "professional opinions", are usually people who seek out the press rather than the other way around. As an example:

...in our media-saturated culture, nothing confers as much prestige as being the go-to person in your field of expertise. Being a reliable source of timely information for busy editors and reporters...

The process of becoming a spokesperson in the media happens in increments, but the basis of it is making esoteric knowledge accessible... Once someone's name is associated with solid, useful information in print (or on the Internet, television or radio) it validates his or her authority and becomes a credential. Reporters are likely to ask for background or a quote when more input is needed to clarify a point or give a future story heft or color."

People who like to be the quoted "expert" often get help from media consultants or the like in establishing a relationship with the press.

[Palmetto]

This same guy is quoted in almost every article The State does on political matters. Don't any of the other state universities have Poli-Sci departments?

Clemson's PolySci Professor David Woodward is widely considered the state's best political guru.

Unfortunately, he is a rabid conservative, so the media doesn't give him a microphone much anymore.

When I was there, he offered the class taught by then Rep. Gingrich via television, which later got Newt in a little bit of trouble.

[ken5050]

Two questions, if I may....

First, what is/are "the Midlands" as the term is used in the article?....is it a geographic, economic, or racial catagorization?

Second, how does Inez compare to the the guy that Graham beat last time out, as far as being "liberal" and other positions? As I recall, vaguely, up until the election, he was touted as being able to make it a close race....didn't pan out..

Thanks..

[gunnedah]

It doesnt take much to motivate the RAT base just a piece of cheese on a string and a motivated Liberal so called "Mainstream Media".