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Thursday, November 6. 2008

Are voters rational?

Political scientists love to discuss this topic. The short answer is simple, though: If they vote for my guy, they're rational - and vice-versa. Political scientists seem to think that voters should be more rational.

Of course, neither voting nor politics are entirely rational, nor should they be. Life is too complex for logic, and non-rational doesn't mean stupid.

The subject is discussed in Irrational Electorate by Larry Bartels, in Wilson Quarterly.

Posted by Bird Dog in Politics at 19:57 | Comments (4) | Trackbacks (0)

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Voters are rational from their perspective. They vote according to their own interests.

I think it's hubris to assume one can divine the electorate's interests from votes, though.

M
#1 Mark Alger (Link) on 2008-11-06 23:59 (Reply)
Depends on how you define "interests."
#1.1 BD on 2008-11-07 05:30 (Reply)
Like the word "is", the word "rational" has become a moving target, impossible to define. "Logic" it seems is no longer an absolute, having suffered the same indignities as "truth" in our po-mo civilization.

The blame cannot be laid at the feet of the average voter. The politicians I know, and nearly (but not completely) without exception, are deceptive deluders who learn well the subtle art of saying what needs to be heard to a specific group to earn their love.

Yes, even many of the "good ones" like Mr. Shays are willing and even eager to honor the truth de jour if it maintains their employment in the trough-emptying business.
#2 Pajak on 2008-11-07 07:25 (Reply)
Voters were tired of their President being ripped a new one almost everyday by the left and the MSM. I think they were saying in effect, stop complaining and fix it if you know better. The Democrats will probably be sorry they took the job and the responsibility. If they flinch, they lose. If they raise taxes, continue the bail outs, keep the printing presses on overtime and maintain their habits of making outrageous claims and undeliverable promises, they'll be out of power for decades. If they face the problems, do the right thing and make the hard choices, we'll all be better off. I wouldn't bet the farm.
#3 Tom C on 2008-11-07 12:43 (Reply)

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