Americans Make Me Sad

[Jason Tate]

More votes cast for American Idol than the President? Geez, that's pathetic. Read the story here (http://news.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=778702006).

[DEELER]

You can vote more than once on American Idol, you only get one vote for a Presidential election. The people that vote for American Idol are crazy and cast an insane number of votes. However I do agree with you, Americans make me sick as well.

[irthesteve]

Incredibly skewed results... american idol you can vote multiple times and there is no age limit... little girls under 18 can vote as much as they want.

bottom line: the two count their votes diffrently so the results can't be compared

[andrewlterry]

This article is wrong. 63.4 million votes were cast total for Katherine and Taylor together. Also, people vote many times. And is this article from Scotland? This seems like another way for people to say how messed up this country is, by telling lies and blowing things out of proportion. This anti-american propaganda shouldn't even be on AbsolutePunk.net.

[chcougar1]

yea like the others said....you can vote many times per person on AI...while only once for the president:)

[GoodTimes]

Tate you're smarter than this arent you? these previous guys are right. This has been well documented for the past half decade.

[nivek87]

a swing and a........miss

[[Brendan]]

I saw this on Sky news yesterday pretty crazy.

[patrickhowell]

I didn't vote for American Idol, and I didn't vote for the president.

[ThatGirl]

i wont even watch AI it irritates me. But I voted in Nov for the president. I figure thats more important to my life than who gets a record contract.

[robhimself]

well if we could text our vote for president.....

[underthetalking]

You can vote mutliple times.

[SydBarrett 420]

The voting process is entirely different. Besides, voting elections have been rigged for some time now. You really think we still pick the President?

[oldy]

Yeah, it's a slightly dumb comparison, for the reasons above.

[cahrishurr]

you might wanna go ahead and delete this news post tate

[Melie]

didn't they make a movie about this?

[ACA]

This is the premise behind some ridiculous comedy movie.

Also, it's just another example of how numbers can be skewed. As previous stated: multiple votes, no age limit, combined votes, etc.

You'd better fucking believe if this was the way Presidential Elections went down, you'd see billions upon billions of votes for our world leader (prepare the hate for that "world leader" bit).

-ACA

[sparksfly]

plus you dont have to register beforehand to vote for AI.

[wtfemokid]

you might wanna go ahead and delete this news post tate
seriously. tate makes me sad.

[Steve Henderson]

There is a big similarity, though...

Both elections yielded a winner that is a gray-haired douche who makes people with taste and common sense shake their heads in shame.

[wtfemokid]

There is a big similarity, though...

Both elections yielded a winner that is a gray-haired douche who makes people with taste and common sense shake their heads in shame.
zing! except not, lol.

[Steve Henderson]

zing! except not, lol.
I see we have ourselves a member of the SOUL PATROLLLL!L!!!!1!

[wtfemokid]

I see we have ourselves a member of the SOUL PATROLLLL!L!!!!1!
lol, maybe. i don't really understand what soul patrol is, but i did want him to win. and i say, he is MUCH less of a douch than georgie.

[Steve Henderson]

lol, maybe. i don't really understand what soul patrol is, but i did want him to win. and i say, he is MUCH less of a douch than georgie.

He's still a fuck, kind of. Maybe I am just bitter McBoobs didn't win.

[wtfemokid]

He's still a fuck, kind of. Maybe I am just bitter McBoobs didn't win.
awww, she was hot.

[zizou1790]

Incredibly skewed results... american idol you can vote multiple times and there is no age limit... little girls under 18 can vote as much as they want.

bottom line: the two count their votes diffrently so the results can't be compared

EXACTLY this pisses me off every time i see articles like this an adult can only vote once for the president but my 8 year old sister can 10 billion times for taylor hicks if she wants

[1000shadesofred]

You can vote more than once on American Idol, you only get one vote for a Presidential election. The people that vote for American Idol are crazy and cast an insane number of votes. However I do agree with you, Americans make me sick as well.

took the words right out of my mouth

[uh oh smmoreo]

Hahaha. Jason got owned in this thread.

[sparksfly]

And when I say "I'd rather move to [insert another country here]", I get a bunch of shit.

Fine, call me and idiot, a traitor, or a coward, I don't care. But at least I won't live in a country whose citizens believe that generic Pop music is more important than the person who runs the place they live in.


the situation probably isn't much different in other countries. you just don't know about it because youre not immersed in the culture of another country. plus america just gets a lot of shit from the world anyways while they hide all their problems that are probably very similiar to ours.

ps: not that i dont feel the same way but i'm just expecting to see (similiar) problems in any country i go to. i want to travel and live other places but i'll probably ultimately come back to america when i settle down.

[Frank Giaramita]

Yeah, if I was able to cast multiple votes from my cell phone for a presidential candidate I think I would've voted 63.4 million times by myself.

Also, determining the winner of a competition in a system where people can vote more then once is completely absurd.

[oldwirehands]

the situation probably isn't much different in other countries. you just don't know about it because youre not immersed in the culture of another country. plus america just gets a lot of shit from the world anyways while they hide all their problems that are probably very similiar to ours.

ps: not that i dont feel the same way but i'm just expecting to see (similiar) problems in any country i go to. i want to travel and live other places but i'll probably ultimately come back to america when i settle down.

I deleted this post because I totally forgot that you can vote more than once on American Idol. Either way, this country still seems to hold Pop music in high reguard than our president.

[Billy]

the situation probably isn't much different in other countries. you just don't know about it because youre not immersed in the culture of another country. plus america just gets a lot of shit from the world anyways while they hide all their problems that are probably very similiar to ours.

ps: not that i dont feel the same way but i'm just expecting to see (similiar) problems in any country i go to. i want to travel and live other places but i'll probably ultimately come back to america when i settle down.
You're right in a sense. I lived or visited a few other countries and I don't know if anyones heard of Radio One in England but they play the same station in the middle east because of all the tourist that visit UAE and such and I swear they play the same 10 songs over and over and they are usually the same top 10 from America.

[Frank Giaramita]

I deleted this post because I totally forgot that you can vote more than once on American Idol. Either way, this country still seems to hold Pop music in high reguard than our president.
As someone said earlier in the thread, if you could vote for a president based on American Idol's system (vote more then once, from your cell phone (text messages), no age limit) there would literally be billions of votes for the presidential election. So, in essence, you'd in essence be comparing billions of votes to the mere 64 million on Idol.

[Billy]

I deleted this post because I totally forgot that you can vote more than once on American Idol. Either way, this country still seems to hold Pop music in high reguard than our president.
You hardly ever hear people talking about the presidency and what not during election time as you do hearing people talking about who their favorite Idol is. I think that's half the point with this post. When I go to work most of the people are debating on who they think should be voted off and who they think will win. Yet when the presidential election rolls around there is very few comments being made about it. It's apparent what is more important to the american people.

[uh oh smmoreo]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/elections/2004/page/295001/

According to that page, there were about 60.5 million votes for Bush, and 57.3 million votes for Kerry, as well as another million or so for other candidates. 118.8 million people total, and that is people who vote only ONCE.

So, as soon as American Idol changes their voting system so that only adults can vote, they can only vote once, and still top 119 million votes, get back to us.

[ACA]

Well...

American Idol winners aren't chosen by votes.. it's just a bunch of fools who call in thinking it is. Whoever will be most profitable based on market research (which does include the calls) will win. If somehow some real douchebag (see guy who covered Silverstein) were to make it far, he'd be quickly eliminate by the powers that be.

-ACA

[Steve Henderson]

I think a more relevant comparison would be how many people (in US) watched American Idol versus the presidential elections.

I am sure the numbers would favor American Idol, and still goes to show you that show is more important to our people than who we chuck into the Oval Office. <sigh>

[Frank Giaramita]

You hardly ever hear people talking about the presidency and what not during election time as you do hearing people talking about who their favorite Idol is. I think that's half the point with this post. When I go to work most of the people are debating on who they think should be voted off and who they think will win. Yet when the presidential election rolls around there is very few comments being made about it. It's apparent what is more important to the american people.
From my experience, this past election was the topic of debate among every single person in every single place I went to. At the time, I almost got fired from my job for arguing with a customer about the election and this very website you're talking on right now was practically shut down for the week. Another reason why I can't agree with your statement is because American Idol is a form of entertainment and entertainment is a lot more comfortable to talk about than politics. There's a lot of people who I refuse to talk to about politics because I know a giant argument/debate will ensue. It's almost taboo to express political and religous beliefs in most circumstances, as opposed to expressing your American Idol preference.

[uh oh smmoreo]

I think a more relevant comparison would be how many people (in US) watched American Idol versus the presidential elections.

I am sure the numbers would favor American Idol, and still goes to show you that show is more important to our people than who we chuck into the Oval Office. <sigh>

People watch the Presidential elections? My parents always just flip to the news occasionally.

[bones jones]

I think a more relevant comparison would be how many people (in US) watched American Idol versus the presidential elections.

I am sure the numbers would favor American Idol, and still goes to show you that show is more important to our people than who we chuck into the Oval Office. <sigh>
yeah...i care(d) about the election a lot...so much so that i didn't receive my absentee ballot and drove home from new york simply to vote...but i wasn't glued to my tv all night watching the states turn red or blue...i checked in every once in a while, and most of the time i checked cnn.com or something anyway.

everyone is always looking for an excuse to bitch about something, i swear. here's an idea: shut the fuck up. you'll all be bitching in '08 when whoever gets voted to replace bush takes office too.

[HungJury]

When Hillary wins the Democratic nomination, I"m sure there will be millions more voting. What if it's Hillary against Rice? Two women. hmmmmm

[Billy]

From my experience, this past election was the topic of debate among every single person in every single place I went to. At the time, I almost got fired from my job for arguing with a customer about the election and this very website you're talking on right now was practically shut down for the week. Another reason why I can't agree with your statement is because American Idol is a form of entertainment and entertainment is a lot more comfortable to talk about than politics. There's a lot of people who I refuse to talk to about politics because I know a giant argument/debate will ensue. It's almost taboo to express political and religous beliefs in most circumstances, as opposed to expressing your American Idol preference.
You're right in a sense but then again there are a lot of people who know next to nothing about politics or have no desire to know what is going on in the country. But then again they could tell you all about american idol. Obviously it's entertainment and it's easier to talk about in public but you would think and I'm sure you agree that politics and such should be the first thing on peoples minds.

[Frank Giaramita]

I think a more relevant comparison would be how many people (in US) watched American Idol versus the presidential elections.

I am sure the numbers would favor American Idol, and still goes to show you that show is more important to our people than who we chuck into the Oval Office. <sigh>
I don't think that's a relevant comparison either- Entertainment and politics are complete unparallel to each other. People do things that are fun! Politics aren't fun, they're serious and humorless. This doesn't necesarilly mean people "care" more about American Idol, or Desperate Housewives, or Will And Grace then the presidential election.
We see our president every single day on the news and in our newspapers. We see, hear, and feel every single decision he has made in his four years in office... we don't necessarily have to watch the presidential election stuff (debates and what not) to get an idea of who we are or aren't voting for. If Taylor Hicks and Kathryn Mcphee were on the news, newspapers and internet every single day of the year like politicians are, then I think it would be a more valid comparison. I know George Bush is a dumbass because I've read and seen the stuff he has (or hasn't) done for the past four years... I don't need a debate to tell me that.

[Steve Henderson]

People watch the Presidential elections? My parents always just flip to the news occasionally.
Fuck, I meant debates.

[golfchick]

In a battle between pop culture vs. politics, I bet pop culture would win everytime.

[Frank Giaramita]

You're right in a sense but then again there are a lot of people who know next to nothing about politics or have no desire to know what is going on in the country. But then again they could tell you all about american idol. Obviously it's entertainment and it's easier to talk about in public but you would think and I'm sure you agree that politics and such should be the first thing on peoples minds.
Yeah, there are a lot of very ignorant people when it comes to politics and voting, but there's a lot of ignorant people when it comes to music, singing and vocal skill too. I mean, it's a lot easier to know what's "going on" on a television show then it is to know what's "going on" in an entire country. I can take literally 2 minutes out of my day to read EW.com to update myself on American Idol... I'd need to take 6 months to read all the content on CNN.com to update myself on every occurance in our country. It's just very hard to compare the two (entertainment and politics) and I really have trouble finding common ground to put both sides on.

[Steve Henderson]

Yeah, there are a lot of very ignorant people when it comes to politics and voting, but there's a lot of ignorant people when it comes to music, singing and vocal skill too. I mean, it's a lot easier to know what's "going on" on a television show then it is to know what's "going on" in an entire country. I can take literally 2 minutes out of my day to read EW.com to update myself on American Idol... I'd need to take 6 months to read all the content on CNN.com to update myself on every occurance in our country. It's just very hard to compare the two (entertainment and politics) and I really have trouble finding common ground to put both sides on. One might think that common sense would lessen the time needed to effectively choose the right political leader, but that seems to be inherently absent from our society.

[Billy]

Yeah, there are a lot of very ignorant people when it comes to politics and voting, but there's a lot of ignorant people when it comes to music, singing and vocal skill too. I mean, it's a lot easier to know what's "going on" on a television show then it is to know what's "going on" in an entire country. I can take literally 2 minutes out of my day to read EW.com to update myself on American Idol... I'd need to take 6 months to read all the content on CNN.com to update myself on every occurance in our country. It's just very hard to compare the two (entertainment and politics) and I really have trouble finding common ground to put both sides on.
besides the fact that people don't believe that politics will affect their everyday life. They just continue on with whatever they're doing and bitch about high gas prices.

[zizou1790]

You hardly ever hear people talking about the presidency and what not during election time as you do hearing people talking about who their favorite Idol is. I think that's half the point with this post. When I go to work most of the people are debating on who they think should be voted off and who they think will win. Yet when the presidential election rolls around there is very few comments being made about it. It's apparent what is more important to the american people.

im in high school and last year when there was a presidential election my friends and i would often talk about our beliefs and such and that was common throughout my school at least i have never heard any of my friends in school talk about A.I

[A picasso blue]

i agree that voting in the presidential campaign has for a while been very low


but its stupid to compare it to American Idol. god what a dumb show

[skankinbri]

I voted for The Preisdent, not an American Idol.

Never will vote for an American Idol.

[JOJOFACE]

Yeah, like mentioned above, I call BS.

[reav]

First of all, people are more often than not scared to talk about politics in public. I mean c'mon, no on wants to ruin the mood at a family dinner or when they're already at their shitty work.

Second, some people shouldn't be allowed to vote anyways just by their degree of idiocy - but then again you guys re-elected Bush so that can't be the reason, now can it?

[marchfaster]

thats like that stupid movie american dreamz...which pissed me off, because its a movie basically rubbing in our face how stupid and entertainment driven we are.

[The Apollo Kid]

Yes its an important subject but its a subject not many people are too bothered to speak about. Not because they are ignorant or scared, but because everybody has their own problems and interests that can be discussed in the pub, and i dont find doing that naive at all. I guess the majority think in the back of our minds that we are safe and have been unaffected by the presidents actions (remember i said majority) so hell why create a stir on getting somebody else in.

[Frank Giaramita]

First of all, people are more often than not scared to talk about politics in public. I mean c'mon, no on wants to ruin the mood at a family dinner or when they're already at their shitty work.

Second, some people shouldn't be allowed to vote anyways just by their degree of idiocy - but then again you guys re-elected Bush so that can't be the reason, now can it?

I'm not sure how valid this chart is but:

State - Avg. IQ - 2004
1 - Connecticut -113 -Kerry
2 - Massachusetts -111- Kerry
3 - New Jersey-111-Kerry
4 - New York-109-Kerry
5 - Rhode Island -107-Kerry
6 - Hawaii-106-Kerry
7 - Maryland-105-Kerry
8 - New Hampshire-105-Kerry
9 - Illinois -104-Kerry
10 - Delaware-103-Kerry
11 - Minnesota-102-Kerry
12 - Vermont-102-Kerry
13 - Washington-102-Kerry
14 - California-101 -Kerry
15 - Pennsylvania-101-Kerry
16 - Maine-100-Kerry
17 - Virginia-100-Bush
18 - Wisconsin-100-Kerry
19 - Colorado-99-Bush
20 - Iowa-99-Bush
21 - Michigan-99-Kerry
22 - Nevada-99-Bush
23 - Ohio-99-Bush
24 - Oregon-99-Kerry
25 - Alaska-98-Bush
26 - Florida-98-Bush
27 - Missouri-98-Bush
28 - Kansas-96-Bush
29 - Nebraska-95-Bush
30 - Arizona -94-Bush
31 - Indiana -94-Bush
32 - Tennessee-94-Bush
33 - North Carolina-93-Bush
34 - West Virginia-93-Bush
35 - Arkansas-92-Bush
36 - Georgia-92-Bush
37 - Kentucky-92-Bush
38 - New Mexico-92-Bush
39 - North Dakota-92-Bush
40 - Texas-92-Bush
41- Alabama-90-Bush
42 Louisiana-90-Bush
43 -Montana-90-Bush
44 -Oklahoma-90-Bush
45 -South Dakota-90-Bush
46 -South Carolina-89-Bush
47 -Wyoming-89-Bush
48 -Idaho-87-Bush
49 - Utah-87-Bush
50- Mississippi-85-Bush

[marchfaster]

i've never seen american idol, but my friend said that you can vote more than once for it.

so...that would pretty much explain the popularity issue.

[reav]

I'm not sure how valid this chart is but:

State - Avg. IQ - 2004
1 - Connecticut -113 -Kerry
2 - Massachusetts -111- Kerry
3 - New Jersey-111-Kerry
4 - New York-109-Kerry
5 - Rhode Island -107-Kerry
6 - Hawaii-106-Kerry
7 - Maryland-105-Kerry
8 - New Hampshire-105-Kerry
9 - Illinois -104-Kerry
10 - Delaware-103-Kerry
11 - Minnesota-102-Kerry
12 - Vermont-102-Kerry
13 - Washington-102-Kerry
14 - California-101 -Kerry
15 - Pennsylvania-101-Kerry
16 - Maine-100-Kerry
17 - Virginia-100-Bush
18 - Wisconsin-100-Kerry
19 - Colorado-99-Bush
20 - Iowa-99-Bush
21 - Michigan-99-Kerry
22 - Nevada-99-Bush
23 - Ohio-99-Bush
24 - Oregon-99-Kerry
25 - Alaska-98-Bush
26 - Florida-98-Bush
27 - Missouri-98-Bush
28 - Kansas-96-Bush
29 - Nebraska-95-Bush
30 - Arizona -94-Bush
31 - Indiana -94-Bush
32 - Tennessee-94-Bush
33 - North Carolina-93-Bush
34 - West Virginia-93-Bush
35 - Arkansas-92-Bush
36 - Georgia-92-Bush
37 - Kentucky-92-Bush
38 - New Mexico-92-Bush
39 - North Dakota-92-Bush
40 - Texas-92-Bush
41- Alabama-90-Bush
42 Louisiana-90-Bush
43 -Montana-90-Bush
44 -Oklahoma-90-Bush
45 -South Dakota-90-Bush
46 -South Carolina-89-Bush
47 -Wyoming-89-Bush
48 -Idaho-87-Bush
49 - Utah-87-Bush
50- Mississippi-85-Bush


hahahaa this is rather amazing.
I kindof hope it is true.

[marchfaster]

State - Avg. IQ - 2004
1 - Connecticut -113 -Kerry
2 - Massachusetts -111- Kerry
3 - New Jersey-111-Kerry
4 - New York-109-Kerry
5 - Rhode Island -107-Kerry
6 - Hawaii-106-Kerry
7 - Maryland-105-Kerry
8 - New Hampshire-105-Kerry
9 - Illinois -104-Kerry
10 - Delaware-103-Kerry
11 - Minnesota-102-Kerry
12 - Vermont-102-Kerry
13 - Washington-102-Kerry
14 - California-101 -Kerry
15 - Pennsylvania-101-Kerry
16 - Maine-100-Kerry
17 - Virginia-100-Bush
18 - Wisconsin-100-Kerry
19 - Colorado-99-Bush
20 - Iowa-99-Bush
21 - Michigan-99-Kerry
22 - Nevada-99-Bush
23 - Ohio-99-Bush
24 - Oregon-99-Kerry
25 - Alaska-98-Bush
26 - Florida-98-Bush
27 - Missouri-98-Bush
28 - Kansas-96-Bush
29 - Nebraska-95-Bush
30 - Arizona -94-Bush
31 - Indiana -94-Bush
32 - Tennessee-94-Bush
33 - North Carolina-93-Bush
34 - West Virginia-93-Bush
35 - Arkansas-92-Bush
36 - Georgia-92-Bush
37 - Kentucky-92-Bush
38 - New Mexico-92-Bush
39 - North Dakota-92-Bush
40 - Texas-92-Bush
41- Alabama-90-Bush
42 Louisiana-90-Bush
43 -Montana-90-Bush
44 -Oklahoma-90-Bush
45 -South Dakota-90-Bush
46 -South Carolina-89-Bush
47 -Wyoming-89-Bush
48 -Idaho-87-Bush
49 - Utah-87-Bush
50- Mississippi-85-Bush
i think that argument is bullshit, not anything against you guys..but its really stupid to compare average IQ and political choices. 1. its dependant on school funding and ability to teach 2. people can have very high common sense, but low IQ 3. i have a pretty high IQ, but apart from certain political issues im pretty dumb, now why would you want me voting? 4. i think its weak of a person to accuse an entire state of being dumb because of a low average IQ (this coudl be explained by a high number of mentally handicapped, or a low population), 5. some of those states...the dakotas, wyoming, etc are specialized for machinery and farming and such, not corporate people and students....so that woudl also explain IQ differences.

to me, it just seems like we're discrediting certain states because of a lower IQ, no matter how dumb the people are, they should be allowed to vote if they want

[thewebguy]

Americans Make Me Sad

american journalists make me sad, the article is so misleading and doesn't describe the differences in the two voting processes compared (as nearly everyone else has already said)

[over rated]

these days in america if anything requires a person to get off their couch and stop watching tv, most people won't do it. we have become too dependent on other people and technology to take care of everything for us, even if it is something super important that effects how you live such as voting for the president.

[truestar1015]

american journalists make me sad, the article is so misleading and doesn't describe the differences in the two voting processes compared (as nearly everyone else has already said)

I saw this same story on CNN sometime this week. The only difference in this article and the story I saw is CNN took the time to point out that you can vote multiple times for AI. I guess it all depends on how much the journalist and editors want you to know about the story. But it seems like they would wanna point out the differences in the voting.

[payforglory]

not going to lie, i only read page one of the replies...

has anybody thought of how many people between the ages of 14 - 17 now have cell phones in this country and/or access to the internet?

the last presidential election actually had a great voter turnout. hopefully shows like this make those 14 - 17 year olds realize that their vote counts and they keep up the idea of wanting a say in everything that happens.

i probably wont check this again, it all depends so if you want to yell email me.

[loveofliberty]

Tate, you only make yourself into a stereotype by posting these things and then giving us your cliche commentary on how this is an example of how Americans make you sick to your stomach. If you were to actually understand voting patterns, you'd realize that, as the "rational ignorance theory" explains that voters have no incentive to gain information on political candidates because the benefits don't exceed the costs. The average person chooses not to become more informed about political candidates because they don't feel as though their sole vote will actually have a direct effect on the outcome of the election. With American Idol, I assume people feel a much greater probability that their vote can change the outcome. The aforementioned "rational ignorance" is a major flaw of democratic practice, and NOT a result of a "desensitized consumeristic American culture." If you have a rational, better idea as to how we should get people to vote, then voice it; but otherwise, keep your mouth closed...please.

[payforglory]

You hardly ever hear people talking about the presidency and what not during election time as you do hearing people talking about who their favorite Idol is. I think that's half the point with this post. When I go to work most of the people are debating on who they think should be voted off and who they think will win. Yet when the presidential election rolls around there is very few comments being made about it. It's apparent what is more important to the american people.

try leaving your computer during an election. i still hear about it almsot every day. that election (and every election) shapes this country and affects every day we live in some way shape or form. not to mention that they come every 4 years and then you have the primaries and local elections twice a year at least....

in a country where voting and choosing our own laws and leaders is the essence of our society, i'd hope nobody ignores whats going on because half the time its those people who are complaining about something.

not trying to sound like a dick to you, im just saying i know during a presidential election (especially that last one) i'm sure everyone around the world was talking about it.

fuck american idol. ive honest to god never seen an episode in my life, the only winner i know of was kelly clarkson still yet i can name off most of the american presidents, but im a historical nerd i guess.

[RememberFminus]

Tate, you only make yourself into a stereotype by posting these things and then giving us your cliche commentary on how this is an example of how Americans make you sick to your stomach. If you were to actually understand voting patterns, you'd realize that, as the "rational ignorance theory" explains that voters have no incentive to gain information on political candidates because the benefits don't exceed the costs. The average person chooses not to become more informed about political candidates because they don't feel as though their sole vote will actually have a direct effect on the outcome of the election. With American Idol, I assume people feel a much greater probability that their vote can change the outcome. The aforementioned "rational ignorance" is a major flaw of democratic practice, and NOT a result of a "desensitized consumeristic American culture." If you have a rational, better idea as to how we should get people to vote, then voice it; but otherwise, keep your mouth closed...please.

the rational ignorance theory only helps further prove how idiotic most americans are.

[billcom7]

Has already been pointed out, but can vote multiple times, no age limit, no pre registration, fellons can vote. Not to mention the whole story is misleading, there were only 60 million votes total, there was over 100 million votes total for president, those numbers arent even close.

and the person who posted that IQ thing, thats total bullshit, because I have never heard of any state measuring everyone's IQ to get an average, I am smart as hell and have never taken an IQ test (other than some online), so I am gonna call bullshit on that

[Slovo]

I would rail McPhee.

[Jamie Pham]

hahhaa

[12:46AM]

random note: i just took an online iq test, and it said i had a 138 iq. but i remember taking one in high school and it told me i was like mildly retarded or something. so i think online iq tests are bogus. /random note

[Ambulance X]

you might wanna go ahead and delete this news post tate

agreed

[kory]

fail

[cahrishurr]

Well...

American Idol winners aren't chosen by votes.. it's just a bunch of fools who call in thinking it is. Whoever will be most profitable based on market research (which does include the calls) will win. If somehow some real douchebag (see guy who covered Silverstein) were to make it far, he'd be quickly eliminate by the powers that be.

-ACA

dude i dont know what you're talking about
the guy who covered silverstein was awesome...it was a good laugh
you're right he would have never have made it if he did get accepted. but really man..that wouldnt be because of any profitable marketing research..that would just be because hes a joke..and thats all he ever intended to be anyway.

[shtjames]

this is fucking disgusting and makes me ashamed

[loveofliberty]

the rational ignorance theory only helps further prove how idiotic most americans are.

Can you explain to me how the theory proves this? Obviously you didn't read my post thoroughly because you seemed to have missed the entire point of it. The theory explains a flaw in democratic practice - in that Americans know their vote doesn't directly affect the outcome of the election, so their incentive to acquire elaborate knowledge/information about a certain candidate is reduced significantly. I believe that you saying this theory proves further the ignorance of the American people shows that you believe that each individual's vote DOES significantly have an effect on the outcome of the election and thus Americans are "idiots" for not wanting to acquire more knowledge because the benefits aren't very good in comparison to the cost of acquiring information. I can only say that you are pretty damn foolish if you believe each individual vote can directly have an effect on the outcome of an election. Either that or you were just making a passing remark that failed to be intelligent or significant; and only further contributed to the idiotic pattern of some people's posts in this thread.

[histrionics22]

I love the irony of people making dumb generalizations about americans and what not in this thread,

[atticusfinch]

I'd be willing to bet that a lot of people who watch this show, also voted for Bush.

At any rate, this stuff makes me hate America's culture even more than I already did.

Our priorities as a country are out of order to the fullest extent.

[rockingsteady]

you don't have to be 18 to vote for american idol.. and all the crazy fans vote like 50 times a day for their contestant. that's really not accurate at all.