This was a joke of a report. You had the opportunity to truly provide more information and discussion and yet, you let that just slip on by. I suppose stupidity is not limited to just voters.

I completely agree that most Americans that vote are either misinformed or not informed on the issues and beliefs of the parties. I have so many friends that just don't vote because they don't understand politics or decide to vote but for all the wrong reasons. I think that the media has a lot to do with the nation being misinformed because they tend to focus on issues that aren't really relevant to the candidate's performance (i.e. sarah palin's children or the battle for who has more experience). I think if the media focused more on the actual beliefs of every candidate and educating a nation who is greatly uneducated, then people would be less ignorant and more likely to vote for the right reasons.

Sadly, I must say that politicians campaign based on our emotions and we allow it!! I really know very little about the people running and there history in politics or anything else. The only thing we tend to know is what the news media shows us which is rarely the whole story. Even knowing all of this, we as a nation allow it.

I enjoyed your intriging (albeit short) interview with Mr. Shenkman on 07SEP08. I believe Mr. Shenkman's views are right on target. I can't begin to relate how often I hear blindly ignorant and inaccurate statements being made by my fellow citizens about current affairs or political events. It's almost as if these otherwise intelligent people are being willfully stupid, basing their voting patterns more on instinct and simple appearance (rather than substance). It's no wonder our nation is in such a mess -- we keep electing the least capable, most self-serving and corrupt politicians that are on the ballot.

Perhaps it's time to consider being "elitist" and imposing some sort of voter qualification test before allowing every drooling sub-moron access to a ballot. Otherwise we're well on the road to dooming ourselves to a future of continually worsening conditions and inept leaders.

Great book title. Nice to see an author acknowledge the pig in our living room. We sink or swim together.

At this point I don't trust the candidates, or news media to tell the truth. Its all about twisting the facts to suit their personal agendas. I would like to see "up front", analyze each week, what the presidential candidates claim or accuse, for truth. The average american does not have access to documentation or records to prove or disprove all the flip comments thrown out to deter us emotionally. It seems like those who attack are trying to hide their own inadequacys.

I absolutely agree with Mr. Shenkman. I witnessed this first hand during the caucuses. It was amazing how many people actually believed those rumors about Senator Obama being a Muslim and were going to cast their vote based on that! What I have observed is that people take information that confirms their own biases about a candidate and run with it, rather than educating themselves by doing their own research. In my opinion, this illustrates a real lack of critical thinking skills.

Another example of this is the response to Gov. Sarah Palin. After two speeches, people are saying, "She's one of us!" Oh really? Do you really know that much about Palin after she read a speech that was written for her by a speechwriter? Yet after 20 months of campaigning, numerous debates and speeches, extensive media coverage and one of the most historic speeches about race in our country's history, people are still saying about Obama, "We still don't know enough about him." Give me a break. Either people are really stupid that they can't make a decision about someone after 20 months, or they're being disingenuous and can't admit that they can't bring themselves to vote for him for some other reason.

Frankly, the whole notion of voting for someone because they think "she's one of us" without looking at their qualifications (or lack thereof) is another indication of the stupidity of many American voters. The reason people voted for Bush TWICE was because he was a person they'd "like to have a beer with," but look where it's gotten us. The job of President or Vice-President should be just like any other professional job--vote for the MOST QUALIFIED. The most qualified should be their ability to take our country in the right direction through concrete plans of action. Being "one of us" or the one "you'd like to have a beer with" is not a qualification, yet so many American voters seem to think that is a criteria. Being the best attacker is not a qualification, yet it seems the Republicans sole strategy is to attack Obama, and some of their supporters are going for the red meat, just like hungry wolves. The Republicans are doing everything they can to paint the Obamas as "other" to capitalize on them not being "one of us", in essence, hoping to draw the STUPID voters. God help us if they succeed.

I want to offer a somewhat different angle of view here. First off, most of you are claiming that most Americans are making uneducated choices in the political arena. What an insult and a lie. I think most of you are saying that because others don’t agree with your concepts and opinions. People are being far more educated in politics than ever. They are being informed by the internet. They hash out the issues just like we are doing right now. If you want to know what is destroying America’s political foundations, I’ll tell you.
It is four things. Democrats and Republicans, the extremists, the media and the internet.
Partisan politics has become a cancer in America. Our politicians have forgotten why they are there. They are more interested in what the special interest groups have to say than what the people say. We, as the people, don’t have enough money to buy them off like the lobbyists.
The extremists are taking your constitution and twisting it so far out of shape that there is nothing left. They do it all only to suit themselves, all the while taking others people’s TRUE rights away.
The media spreads lies and leans all together in to one certain party in order to see them elected. I have watched this happen for over 30 years.
The internet is full of extreme left and right bloggers that make up all the crap that the common people have to sort through to try and make an educated guess at what might be right or wrong.
We Americans are not stupid, our system is. Don’t blame us, we have enough to worry about without fingers pointing at us.

oh, um, wait a minute, he forgot two adjectives "fat" & "lazy"

oh, um, wait a minute, he forgot two adjectives "fat" & "lazy"

So what do you think? Are Americans just plain dumb? Does our ignorance endanger our democracy? What can be done about it?

Its not that were dumb its that were consumers and its hard to be a consumer when your sitting at home reading/watching politics. Were supposed to be out buying stuff, spending our hard earned money. It's what the politicians want anyway.

What Shenkman says is true, but there are a couple things he chooses not to mention or analyze:

First this is not a new problem, and this is not a problem unique to the US. It is a larger problem now that more uninformed people are voting. However, in the information age, both bad and good propagates over the 'net, as well as via rumor and mouth to mouth. We have the increased opportunity to be smarter, but that opportunity to be dumber is also everpresent.

Second, calling people idiots helps no one. Berating people won't make the less informed resolute to become smarter. It only fuels the whole idea of "elitism" which I would argue this is a great example of. Treat people like humans, build them up, encourage. That's the way to help this improve issue.

Mr. Shenkman, In your video shown tonight on King5 Up Front you state:
"Only one out of 5 [people polled] know that we have 100 U.S. senators even though we've had 100 Senators for more than half a century..."

Do the math. Alaska and Hawaii were admitted in 1959, a mere 49 years ago. You must be one of those stupid American voters yourself.

Sorry if you are offended by the truth, folks, but between the ignorant, the lazy and the dumb, Bush got elected twice by about 13% of the population. Proof enough, especially the second time (since the first one involved outright theft of votes)...
Sad. Maybe voting should be mandatory for holding a passport or getting and keeping your social security number? Or maybe incentivize by giving a small tax break or appliance (we have to play to the lowest common denominator here).

Here we go again. I turned program on to see if King5 had changed the narrator yet, only to see Lori M. was still there.

She asked a question of the guest who immediately replied something to the effect that Bush lied and we all fell for it.

Lori just totally agreed with a smile on her face, yes we are all stupid. I don't understand how she would expect us to get any different information unless the media supplied it - and she is the media.

I for one and done with Channel 5 News - unfair and biased.

It's quite funny to me that all of you that think we are stupid seem to lean to the left in here. Who's the idiots? Granted, Americans aren't all the brightest when it comes to politics, but they are not stupid either. What a thing to say about your fellow men and women. You liberals think you are the only ones with any brains. What a joke. I quit being a lifelong liberal myself when you all went off your rockers. It is YOU GUYS taht are ruining this country. NBC is the absolute worst at being biased in the news. That is why your TV viewers are dropping like flies. Goog luck in the future KING 5.

I have to agree with Daler. I see a whole lot of "left-wingers" spouting off about how stupid voters are(which is why so many people think you are elitists). What I witness is that a lot of people really don't know how the government functions, it's history, and what other forms of government are and how they work. For example, people blame the President for EVERYTHING that's wrong in this country when, in reality, his power is limited. He can PROPOSE legislation, but Congress is where it either succeeds or fails. It's my view that the legislative branch has more of a hold on this country right now than it ever has. As long as our focus is on the President, the Congress can get away with a great deal.

It's a failure of our education system and a failure of our society that this information doesn't seem important anymore. Our public education system was originally formed in order to create an informed voting populous. Hmmmm.....

Our government continues to grow and is ever-hungry for power and money. They know that keeping the people ignorant will eventually give them all the money and power they want.

Maybe this isn't about "smart" vs. "stupid". Maybe it's about "mature" vs. "childish" or even "practical" vs. "impulsive". Wishful thinking, idealism, and impulsivity are hallmarks of childhood. Sitting around, holding hands, and hoping for change doesn't cut through the crap and get anything done.

I'm smart enough to see how phoney Obama is and how Democrat controlled Congress isn't living up to their promise. I hate Nancy Pelosi's smug smile, don't you? Being a Democrat is easy, no thought involved. All emotion.

I wouldn't use the word "stupid" per-se, but I would say many American voters are easily led and seem to lack the ability or will to think critically. Witness how easily Americans were manipulated into supporting the invasion of Iraq, and how effective the appeals have been to baser instincts of fear and anger.

It's frustrating for me to see this happen, and to see discussions devolve into name calling. I'm sure the people in power love to see this Jerry Springer mentality rather than people opening their eyes to the reality of where we are. We will never be able to fix our problems until we can start having honest, factual discussions.

There is plenty of blame to go around. This is not a one-sided issue. So let's not get into this "you're an elitist" or "your're ignorant" argument. You are being manipulated, and simply bleating the party line. Stop it, and start thinking for yourselves.

I listened to Obama tell us there are 57 states, and listened to him tell a crowd that Iran is not a threat. I don't think it is the voters that are stupid.

So I see this talk and question about Palin once again, so is she running against Obama Bin Laden or is she running for Vice against Jo Biden?
Stare in the mirror before you make an accusation.
Regardless of Sarah Palin's resume she has her leader (McCain) with the experience and he is the one who has the final say. Take a look at the Demacratic ticket, Biden has over 30 yrs exp. as a senator and Obama has how many. Seems the tables are turned. Palin has the charachter to take on the big issues and look at her boss to get the answers to the questions she cant answer, Biden has to ask questions to a man who doesnt know what he is doing. Regardless of race, Obama doesnt fit the ticket. He lacks the experience and credentials needed to run a country. At this point I would question if he could even run a State or local position with his back ground. Should he just go home and raise his two daughters, they need him done they?
Sarah has a fearless husband that can raise her children, and her daughter well she is on foot as an adult.
I am voting for the experienced group and the group with the odacity to take on corruption and the group that will see it to the end. I do not believe that McCain will have the same policy's as Bush. My parents are both pre-WWII born and the difference between those born after and before the war is huge. I dont agree with Bush all the time, however he has brought respect back to the oval office. The first thing he did was take down all the naked pictures and threw away all the porno that Clinton left behind. I respect Bush because when he says something, he means it and sticks to it.
Obamo needs to go work on his resume, take on big issues then come back to the table another time.
However, I think Condaleza rice would be a better candadate for the race card.
In Obama's cabinet:
President: Obama
vice Pres: Biden
Sctry of State: Porky Pig
Defense: Marvin the Martian
Speaker of the house: Elmer Fudd

And the list goes on and on and on and on......

Scot, you are a perfect example of an ignorant voter.

"...so is she running against Obama Bin Laden or is she running for Vice against Jo Biden?" Please try to act like an adult here. Nobody cares about infantile (and unoriginal) name calling. If they do, they are as childish as you are.

"I am voting for the experienced group and the group with the odacity to take on corruption and the group that will see it to the end" Um, ever heard of the Keating Five? Look it up and you will see how odacious McCain really is. And, oh, check out how many lobbyists are on his staff right now.

"I do not believe that McCain will have the same policy's as Bush." Yeah, you're right. McCain's will be worse. It was McCain who said we should stay in Iraq for 100 years. Even Bush seems to have come to his senses and knows it's time to leave. McCain's alone on this one. And he does love that "bomb bomb bomb bomb bomb Iran" jingle. If McCain gets in, expect more of Bush's bash the world policies with extra helpings.

"I dont agree with Bush all the time, however he has brought respect back to the oval office." Excuse me? Respect? Bush? I'm sorry, I haven't laughed that hard in a looooong time. Bush has brought nothing but shame to the oval office and to this country. From the debacle in Iraq to torture to rendition to warrantless wiretapping, the list goes on. And what an embarrassment on the world stage, from grabbing the German chancellor to "Yo! Blair!" I cringe.

Scot, I could go on refuting your post point by point, but it is getting really tiring, and it is also very obvious you have closed your mind to any sense reason.

Oh Lee my mind is quite open, however I wont limit myself to the renditions of a man who doesnt have a back bone in his body to ever fathom any type of decision where he has no experience or capacity of handling the choices.
He could always volunteer for the red cross, they could use a few good leaders.
He could be "present" there right.

Lee, good job on the Keating five. Looks like you hit the nail on the head.

Senators John Glenn and John McCain were cleared of having acted improperly but were criticized for having exercised "poor judgment".

I had never heard of the Keating Five, however you really put your foot in your mouth on that issue because McCain wasnt involved deeply and his reasons were to not see the employees of Lincoln loose jobs and hurt the economy. I am sure that isnt to the extent of the Clinton white water scandal now is it?

Next time get a real scandal not some bull crap that you obviously didnt know much about.

Scot,

In your own words: "I am voting for the experienced group and the group with the odacity to take on corruption and the group that will see it to the end."

Does someone who accepts hundreds of thousands of dollars in contributions and then turns around and co-sponsors a resolution to delay new regulations designed to curb risky investments by thrifts such as Keating's Lincoln Savings and Loan, which clearly benefited McCain's benefactor (um, that would be Keating), sound like a stand-up sort of guy to you?

McCain's wife and her father invested $359,100 in a sweetheart deal in a Keating shopping center in April 1986, a year before McCain met with the regulators to attempt to get them off Keating's back. The McCains made at least nine trips at Keating's expense. Three of the trips were made during vacations to Keating's opulent Bahamas retreat at Cat Cay. McCain failed to declare anny of these gifts, contrary to the rules of Congress. He did pay the money back once he was discovered. Again, what a guy.

Among the Keating Five, McCain took the most direct contributions from Keating. Lincoln was the most expensive failure in the national S&L scandal. Taxpayers lost more than $2 billion on the bailout. Deja-vu all over again. When are we going to learn?

You said "McCain wasnt involved deeply and his reasons were to not see the employees of Lincoln loose jobs and hurt the economy" LOL!!!! If you believe that, I have this bridge I'd like to sell you.

"I am sure that isnt to the extent of the Clinton white water scandal now is it" Actually, in my book it is. It's funny when people try to make things like this "OK" by comparing it to what other people have done wrong. It's yet another kindergarten-level argument. Wrong is wrong is wrong. If you think it's OK to have people with money buy our government officials, then you live in a completely different America than I do.

"Next time get a real scandal not some bull crap that you obviously didnt know much about" I think this is a perfect example of the character of the man you want to vote for. Influence pedaling is serious and scandalous, and shouldn't be tolerated at any level, by anybody, in any party. I'm sorry you have your eyes and ears shut on this one. You see what you want to see and hear what you want to hear to support your position and won't contemplate anything that upsets your apple cart. Too bad.

Lee, the only reason I mentioned the White Water scandal is because it was the "one they got away with" oh and to mention that Clinton backs Obama and is having lunch with him today.
Seems kind of funny due to that Hillary is the one to bring light of Baracks tiny resume.
One could think that if the voters are as dumb as
Rick Shenkman claims, that if they read Baracks resume it wont take long. You know how those one liners are dont ya........
Its great to know Barack will mingle with the Clintons, wasnt it just a few months back she said "He cant win". Quoted.
Well since she lost the nomination now she is on his side? What about that 3 am phone call?
Boy just like Kerry they have no way of knowing what direction to go in, however if it benefits them oh they will take that path.
Dont worry, Barack will still be a senator after November.

Scot,

I think you've veered off course here and are missing the point of the blog and this discussion we've been having - that democratic government depends on informed voters and Americans are not living up to their responsibility. Since you are not willing/able to refute my points about McCain, I must assume that you are one of the ill-informed.

"Lee, the only reason I mentioned the White Water scandal is because it was the 'one they got away with'" OK, so you're comparing the one *they* got away with to the one McCain got away with. Gotcha. ;-)

"oh and to mention that Clinton backs Obama and is having lunch with him today" Shock and scandal! They're having lunch??? C'mon Scot, what a red herring. All parties (even Republicans!) do the same thing after the battles of the primaries are over. Mend fences and we're one big happy family.

I think we've taken up enough blog space on this. It has been a pleasure to "spar" with you and I wish you the best in the future. Here's some food for thought as I leave you (from http://weneedobama.blogspot.com/2008/03/experience-does-not-make-great.html):

"How good are experienced presidents, anyway? Suppose you had to choose between two Presidential candidates, one of whom had spent 20 years in Congress plus had considerable other relevant experience and the other of whom had about half a dozen years in the Illinois state legislature and 2 years in Congress. Which one do you think would make a better President? If you chose #1, congratulations, you picked James Buchanan over Abraham Lincoln. Your pick disagrees with that of most historians, who see Lincoln as the greatest President ever and Buchanan as the second worst ever, better only than Warren "Teapot Dome" Harding. Both served in what was probably the most difficult period in American history, where slavery and secession tore the nation asunder."

The "pig in the living room" is the sorry state of political discourse in this country. We get what we get.

Lee,

I watched Obama tonight, I was trying to open my mind.
However once again I am disturbed by this candadate that just is bringing up old ideas.
First let me point out, he knew when it was time to break, telling me that his whole interview was scripted. John McCain did not and was told when it was time to break. This is why Obama wont take on McCains calls to debate because they arent scripted.
Second, his health care plan is a plan that was initiated and "FAILED" by the Clinton clan.
To require a Dr. to "Volunteer" their time after school (college) is an idea that was reported by dateline and 60-minutes to be a plan that failed.
First, Dr.s have no reprocutions if they do not follow the plan after the expense of college is paid for. Like joining the red cross or the peace care for a certain amount of time. Almost 50% of the Dr's failed to do so and took high paying jobs in the private sector. With no reprocutions to them not following through with the requirement of the volunteer time.
Once again Obama just does not have the know how in maintaining the presedency. He needs to join the military and see if the uniform fits, and try again in 10 years.........
Old plans that didnt work from 93-2001 just dont work, sorry go back to the drawing board.
Have a nice night all and vote for McCain.

I think voters in general do not study the candidate’s enough. I would say a predominance pick upon family ties, i.e. mother / father was a democrat so may their children be. I think people need to figure out what they hold dear as far as issues go. As for me I am a staunch supporter of the second amendment. This would have me labeled as a conservative republican, but I am also open to abortion, stem cell research and other freedoms we as Americans enjoy. We need to get away from thee polarized politicians and embrace more moderate politicians. I am actually a Libertarian after studying the issues. I want a smaller government that does not have its hands in every thinkable cookie jar, an extension of personal freedoms enjoyed by previous generations, and using the Constitution as the basis of government vice the whims of individual politicians and lobbyists. There needs to be an end to the two party political system that has a monopoly of power upon this country and there needs to be term limits for all politicians! I would suggest 12 years for all legislators. That would give senators 2 terms and Representatives 6 terms. Thus every few years there would be a complete turnover of politicians that were not driven by corruption, greed, or politics and would actually care for their constituents. That would be real change, not this fake change that is being spewed by the old guard monopoly parties. I say vote for whom ever you want, but when you get the same things we have had for 40+ years, don't complain.

It's a fact that we Americans are dumb as ever. It's sad that people still believe in the greatest lie ever told to Americans about the WMD and Iraq war. Americans are fighting and dying because of a lie sold to the American public. I hope the republican party can sleep well at night for wasting billions of dollars and American lives based on a lie. It's almost criminal what the current administration did and yet no one has said a word on it on either sides of the party. It has become a war of political factions of democrats vs republican without the interest of America. It's unbelievable that the democrats or any other party doesn't have a spine to speak up about this.
It's sad that we as Americans just sit and watch this like a tv drama. We've lost the ability to think critically and voicing our opinion against what is morally wrong. Blind patriotism that is the worst kind of ignorance.

Hits the nail right directly on the head.

It is proven that voters vote because someone is cute, good looking, or black!

It is a sad state of affairs when we continue to scream about taxes, pay rates, unemployment, failing schools, large class sizes, traffic, roads, bridges, small businesses, a corrupt or mis-guided host of state agencies specifically DSHS.

Right now watching Upfront with SPI candidates, why oh why are they running Non-Partism???

It is so not right, looking at Terry Bergeson and Randy Doran it so obvious that Doran is a pocket Democrat. Although I believe Bergeson is a Democrat also, she is a bit more to the center.

But most are too Stupid to look at what is actually important.

Hits the nail right directly on the head.

It is proven that voters vote because someone is cute, good looking, or black!

It is a sad state of affairs when we continue to scream about taxes, pay rates, unemployment, failing schools, large class sizes, traffic, roads, bridges, small businesses, a corrupt or mis-guided host of state agencies specifically DSHS.

Right now watching Upfront with SPI candidates, why oh why are they running Non-Partism???

It is so not right, looking at Terry Bergeson and Randy Doran it so obvious that Doran is a pocket Democrat. Although I believe Bergeson is a Democrat also, she is a bit more to the center.

But most are too Stupid to look at what is actually important.

Many voters/American citizens trive on "spin". It's why we buy certain products, dress the way we do, etc. And it's often why we vote and/or believe what we do.

Once we've been "spun" by a certain line of reasoning (especially with an emotional content like who was responsible for 9/11) it's hard to let go of it because that would imply that (1) our primary belief and those other dependant beliefs (that the current president and his administration are trustworthy and competent) are wrong and (2) that we'd been duped.

No wonder then that many clung to their original beliefs, even in the face of seemingly irrefutable evidence.

Maybe not stupid, but very easily led.

I'm glad someone has finally written about this topic. The stupidity of the electorate is being illustrated this year by widespread acceptance of Sarah Palin as a viable candidate for Vice President. This gentleman's book might have been titled "An Inconvenient Truth," except that it had already been taken.

Uninformed Americans are specifically what the GOP counts on...seriously. All politicians embellish, exaggerate, etc..., but these recent "Republicans" have a knack for outright lying. And why do they get away with it? Because there are so many naive citizens blindly believing whatever they are fed. I mean, come on - there are STILL people who believe Saddam was part of 9/11 & Obama is a Muslim!! It's embarrassing. Whatever your choice may be, at least make the effort to make it an educated one!

Look what team has led our nation to the brink of the abyss and all the problems we now face as a nation, this is a testament to the sheer, absolute and all-encompassing stupidity of American voters. Could one ask for more?

Without a doubt, most american voters are not as informed as they could be, but who's responsibility is this?

The media is the 4th estate of our government, but when the past month has seen a significant chunk of airtime on cable news proclaiming we found a 'bigfoot' carcass, or other 'lipstick' issues, is it really a surprise that americans are ill informed.

The problem isn't Americans are dumb. Americans are very intellegent... but when quality and informative news is the exception rather than the rule in our 24 hour news cycle, is it really any surpise americans are uninformed about issues that really matter?

We must be stupid, or some of us are. Look how many idiots want socialism through Obama. Thankfully there are enough informed voters to prevent this from happening.

Wow, it's people like Bogod who are so uninformed and clueless. Do you know what years of billions of dollars wasted on a bogus war, in addition to years of de-regulation and pro-big business policies has led to? Financial meltdown as we are seeing now and also gov't bailout of AIG, Lehman Bros, etc... I wonder which party's polices actually created downright communistic actions due their serious incompentence.

I'm not a democrat either. I'm disgusted at their lack of a spine to stand up to all the crap that has gone on in the past eight years.

It doesn't really matter either way. It ends up being the same crap year after year without any real change. It's all become rep vs dem satisfying their contributors without the interest of America. It's funny, openly financing a candidate is ok but giving money behind close doors is called bribery. It's a fine line in terms of influence. Yes, I'm cynical simply because I'm disgusted what our gov't has become due to corruption.

American voters are stupid as they tend to go after the promises one throws out regardless if they can ever keep them. They will even disregard the integrity of the candidate if he throws out promises they agree with.

I cant vote Obama knowing his background with the church he attended for twenty years. If his church had nothing to hide, why did they remove and change their doctrine from their site?
If it were a white man who went to a racist church for 20 years and sat listening to those anti white.. anti American..and yes anti Jewish/Israel sermons well they sure as heck wouldn't even make it to be vested. A person doesn't spend 20 years sitting in the pews of any spiritual organization unless they agree with whats being taught. I didn't know a person could change their belifes so fast, that is unless they are running for president.

Barack Obama's x PASTOR DISASTER:
It's not guilt by association.
Its guilt by 20 years of participation!

Maury Silverman,

Yet another example of an ill-informed voter, just blithely regurgitating what someone else has told him. Were you sitting in those pews for 20 years? Do you actually know what was said? What evidence do you have that any anti-Semetic statements were made?

For the record, what I came across is this statement: "the Anti-Defamation League says it has no evidence of any anti-Semitism by Wright" (that is not to say Reverend Wright has not made controversial statements that deserve examination).

If you have evidence to the contrary, present it (with the source). If not, do yourself a favor and educate yourself before you start recycling ugly propaganda. It's easy to throw around slogans like you did. It's harder to actually do your own legwork and become informed. Knowledge is power.

Maury Silverman,

Yet another example of an ill-informed voter, just blithely regurgitating what someone else has told him. Were you sitting in those pews for 20 years? Do you actually know what was said? What evidence do you have that any anti-Semetic statements were made?

For the record, what I came across is this statement: "the Anti-Defamation League says it has no evidence of any anti-Semitism by Wright" (that is not to say Reverend Wright has not made controversial statements that deserve examination).

If you have evidence to the contrary, present it (with the source). If not, do yourself a favor and educate yourself before you start recycling ugly propaganda. It's easy to throw around slogans like you did. It's harder to actually do your own legwork and become informed. Knowledge is power.

Wow, I coulndnt agree with you more on the guilt by participation. Many people have said that "I dont always agree with what my pasture says". But when they go as far as these people did........
I would have left the cult.

Yes, the American Voter is stupid. They continue to elect "good old boys" and people who will make THEM the best deal.
Voters should be better informed, but they just don't care enough to learn.
It's the old "Don't confuse me with facts...my mind's already made up!"
And quit blaming "liberals"! Republicans are just as guilty!

How much longer is this story going to be on the website? I didn't realize how stupid we were until I watched the news, while visiting Canada. They actually hold reporters responsbile for what is broadcast. Ofcourse there isn't an agenda in Canada either.

Sadly it is because the media is one sided and does not give all the FACTS - they only give you what THEY want you to believe.

What about obama's false birth certificate and the fact he was really born in kenya making him ineligible to be president???

Unbelievable. Just look at the comments left by Kim. This is perfect example of why American voters are stupid.

Kim: Did you see Elvis yesterday in your back yard also? Please don't be so gullible. He's not a Muslim; he was born in one of the 50 states of the United States of America; He was 8 years old when Ayers was a Weatherman, and he certainly is not the antichrist. Just don't vote for the man for God's sake. Don't make up ignorant reasons.

I was a Hillary supporter and then was a Obama supporter even donating money for his campaign.
Now I regret donating money and I will be voting for McCain. Obama proimises change and the same old way of doing business. He lies

He received thousands and thousands of dollars from fannie mae ( I do not hold that against him as so did many others

Yes, without a doubt, American voters are both stupid and uninformed. Also, they are very apathetic. I have talked to so many people who REALLY believe their vote doesn't count that they just don't vote at all. That is what I consider truly ignorant and irresponsible. Voting is the single most important priveledge, we, as Americans, have. If you don't vote or don't become an informed and educated voter then you truly are an ignorant and irresponsible person.

Here's a really novell idea. How about not re-electing ANY elected official at all levels of government. If the entire electorate just did this one simple act for only three or four two year election cycles, those running for elective office just might get the message that we, the American citizenry, are fed up, that we've had enough, and that we are "mad as hell and we aren't going to take it anymore." Maybe, just maybe, we could take and get our country back.

Of course, the American voter in general, is too stupid, uninformed, ignorant and apathetic to do something so easy and so simple. Or maybe they just don't have the courage or guts to affect the "change" they say they want.

I almost forgot to mention that so many people I talk to don't even know their basic civics and government and that they have never even read the Declaration of Independence or the United States Constitution. What a sad commentary about the citizens of the greatest country in the world.

If I have offended anyone, TOUGH, I don't care. I am still guaranteed freedom of speech by the Constitution.

GOD BLESS AND SAVE THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

I think most voters are NOT "stupid" (although, you know there ARE some out there), they're just ill-informed because it is SOOO hard to find any unbiased information (if anyone knows a good source, please share). We reap what we sow on voting day; we keep falling for whoever tells us what we want to hear, and we seem to have a distaste for honest candidates. The 'good' guys don't even get close to making it to the primaries. And I'm sure some of them just don't have the stomach to deal with all the wolves in the political caldron so they don't even run at all.

But I agree with the bloggers who thinks we need an overhaul of the political system. The way things are now, we are slowly making a noose with which to hang ourselves.