blakjeezis
07-02-2004, 05:40 AM
On the election?
The obvious answer is that he has influence over a fairly large block of voters, especially with the recent trends in voter turnout, that will follow his words. But I'm not so sure.
There are some listeners that probably have never voted, pay little attention to politics, and will vote solely on his vigor. But, and he is always pointing this out, a majority of his listeners are well-educated, upper middle class, white males. Typically this demographic has previous involvement in the process and already has formed opinions. I would also hazard a guess that a majority of these men tend to lean towards the Republican, although that's not necessarily true across the board.
The problems I see aren't necessarily what he's saying though. His very vocal criticism of Bush, and the support it's generated with the left, at least the celebrity left, as well as his acceptance of their support, is kind of a switch for both sides. For years traditional liberal power bases, womens' groups, gay rights groups, minority groups, have railed against his brand of humor on the grounds tha it is offensive. Now they are backing him in his quest to get Kerry elected. I think some of his listeners, especially those with a conservative agenda, will feel alienated not solely because of what he's saying, but also because of this marriage of political convenience. For so long Howard and these groups have been bitter enemies and now they're in bed with each other. The right-wing section of his fans are gonna feel betrayed by this and it might possible wind up costing him listeners as well as voters.
The other problem I have is not what he's saying, it's how he says it. His rants against Bush have the same venomous hyperbole that he would, and has, used in so many radio feuds. I'm not sure that tactic is effective in the political arena. It kind of falls in line with Michael Moore's stuff. It's so outrageous, so over the top, that I think it may have the opposite effect he's looking for.
The other side is that the conservative listeners are going to see the effects of Bush's religious, right-wing agenda, in a very real way. This is something that effects them on a day to day basis. Perhaps this will indeed turn them against Bush, as Stern hopes.
Or perhaps he's just some schmuck on the radio.
Edit: I'm trying to have a real discussion here. If you don't like Stern, don't listen to Stern, have lost interest in Stern, hate Stern, go post it somewhere else. I don't want to know your opinion of his show. Just what you think his effect on the election will be.
<IMG SRC =http://www.blakjeezis.homestead.com/files/bloodjeez.gif>
If I were any better, I'd have to be twins!!
<marquee><font color=red>INRI</font> White people are so scared of blakjeezis<font color=red> INRI</font></marquee>
I'm Rick James, bitch!
This message was edited by blakjeezis on 7-2-04 @ 9:55 AM
The obvious answer is that he has influence over a fairly large block of voters, especially with the recent trends in voter turnout, that will follow his words. But I'm not so sure.
There are some listeners that probably have never voted, pay little attention to politics, and will vote solely on his vigor. But, and he is always pointing this out, a majority of his listeners are well-educated, upper middle class, white males. Typically this demographic has previous involvement in the process and already has formed opinions. I would also hazard a guess that a majority of these men tend to lean towards the Republican, although that's not necessarily true across the board.
The problems I see aren't necessarily what he's saying though. His very vocal criticism of Bush, and the support it's generated with the left, at least the celebrity left, as well as his acceptance of their support, is kind of a switch for both sides. For years traditional liberal power bases, womens' groups, gay rights groups, minority groups, have railed against his brand of humor on the grounds tha it is offensive. Now they are backing him in his quest to get Kerry elected. I think some of his listeners, especially those with a conservative agenda, will feel alienated not solely because of what he's saying, but also because of this marriage of political convenience. For so long Howard and these groups have been bitter enemies and now they're in bed with each other. The right-wing section of his fans are gonna feel betrayed by this and it might possible wind up costing him listeners as well as voters.
The other problem I have is not what he's saying, it's how he says it. His rants against Bush have the same venomous hyperbole that he would, and has, used in so many radio feuds. I'm not sure that tactic is effective in the political arena. It kind of falls in line with Michael Moore's stuff. It's so outrageous, so over the top, that I think it may have the opposite effect he's looking for.
The other side is that the conservative listeners are going to see the effects of Bush's religious, right-wing agenda, in a very real way. This is something that effects them on a day to day basis. Perhaps this will indeed turn them against Bush, as Stern hopes.
Or perhaps he's just some schmuck on the radio.
Edit: I'm trying to have a real discussion here. If you don't like Stern, don't listen to Stern, have lost interest in Stern, hate Stern, go post it somewhere else. I don't want to know your opinion of his show. Just what you think his effect on the election will be.
<IMG SRC =http://www.blakjeezis.homestead.com/files/bloodjeez.gif>
If I were any better, I'd have to be twins!!
<marquee><font color=red>INRI</font> White people are so scared of blakjeezis<font color=red> INRI</font></marquee>
I'm Rick James, bitch!
This message was edited by blakjeezis on 7-2-04 @ 9:55 AM