Primetime Politics

Have you noticed that the 2008 presidential race has gone primetime?

Thus far, it is evident by the dramatic increase in primary voter turnout that more people are participating and enthusiastic. In many states, this year’s primary elections ushered in more voters than 2000’s general election. Wow!

Further, these candidates are attracting larger audiences than even President Bush himself. Sen. Obama regularly speaks to excited crowds of 20,000-plus while President Bush often speaks with only a few hundred quiet individuals.

But does record-breaking participation mean a more knowledgeable voting demographic? Not necessarily. Sure, more people can identify the candidates' names by looking at their pictures, but many Americans are getting caught up in the glamor without delving into the issues.

This year’s news was filled with many more stories than just the hard-core political facts. For example, Vanity Fair recently featured a scathing, unflattering column about former President Clinton’s personal life, and at the worst time in the campaign.

Americans are still more informed about the social side than the policy side. A recent Pew Research Center poll found 84 percent of respondents knew talk show host Oprah Winfrey supported Sen. Obama while only half could identify what country Hugo Chavez was president of — illustrating international politics and the core of issues still haven’t hit the American mainstream.

The millions of dollars, thousands of screaming fans and hundreds celebrity endorsements have changed politics. Candidates are more than just political figures — they are superstars proving one thing: Politics is as much about entertainment these days than just standard governing. Is this progress, or is it troublesome for the American electorate?