Voting With Emotion Rather Than Intellect
Author: Jeremy Sarber | Filed under: Uncategorized
Ask a person why he/she is voting for Barack Obama and you will inevitably hear a response that begins with, “Because I feel…” It actually made me sick listening to Sean Hannity’s Man on the Street radio segment last night. He asked a number of random (mostly college-aged) people who they were voting for and why. Everyone I heard said Obama. Every reason they gave was a ridiculous reason to vote for a candidate.
Are we afraid to admit that we are uneducated or ignorant on any particular subject? Is that what it is? Either way, our ignorance is not doing us any favors. The liberal politicians have long understood exactly how to pull at the heart-strings of Americans and cater to our emotions. They describe for us how they can create a utopian society much like Robert Owen promised in the 1800s. But as exactly as Robert Owen’s “New Harmony Experiment” played out, the socialist ideology only creates failure in reality.
Barack Obama, for instance, promises change. We immediately think to ourselves, Well, great. I know of some things I’d like to see changed. But have we ever stopped to examine the change being promised by Barack Obama? Perhaps his idea of change would actually be for the worse. Have you looked into it?
Some of the greatest leaders the United States has ever known were terrible, completely uninspiring speakers. Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln are just two that would fall into that category. Yet, according to many Obama-supporters, Obama’s ability to inspire and his talk of hope and change seems to be his biggest qualification for being our next president. What about experience? What about leadership ability? What about fundamental, American principle?
I take every opportunity I can to talk and, more importantly, listen to Obamanites. My first question is always the same: “Why are you voting for Barack Obama?” Unfortunately, the answer never changes. It is never “I think”, but “I feel”. The reason is never based on Obama’s voting record in the Senate or even his talked about policies. The reasons I hear always include these words: unite, change, hope, and inspire. Jim Jones inspired a lot of good people too. I’d tell you to ask them what they think about Jones now but they can’t. They all drank his Kool-aid and died.
Let me show you what I am talking…
This is a Senator, for crying out loud.
I’ll quit before you get too depressed. Barack Obama and fellow liberals are successfully converting human emotion into political gain. The truth is, they are not champions for the little guy; they are hypocrites. They stand for adversity but condemn anyone who disagrees with them. (Ever heard of the Fairness Doctrine?) They cry out against the death penalty but support abortion. (At least the guy on death row has been convicted of a crime.) They say Republicans are evil and don’t care about the middle class, but it’s them who want to raise your taxes and continue to block relief at the gas pumps by not drilling our own oil.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “Be ye angry and sin not.” What that means is we should embrace our emotions but never allow those emotions to determine our actions. We have to think and act rationally and intellectually. It is so discouraging to hear an American make his/her stand based on nothing more than emotion. It’s like hearing contemporary Christians advocate a belief because they “feel” it’s right. I’m sorry. If the Bible contradicts what you “feel”, you are wrong. If you intend to vote for Barack Obama because he’s “inspiring”, then you have some homework to do. Obama’s charisma and personality is not the equivalent of experience and wisdom.
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The demagoguery that Obama feeds on reminds me of a movie called The Distinguished Gentleman. Check out this little excerpt and see if it sounds familiar. By the way, this movie was a satire.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5nu5GRDzog
That’s great. I have to show this:
Great article!
Very well put.
Dr. Laura has addressed the subject of decision making
based on feelings. It is ok to have feelings but they should
not drive our decision making.
Citizen Wells
Thank you.
Those last two videos are hillarious. Yo
I don’t know what you can do? People are what they are. They don’t pay attention, and when they do, they are just as likely to go the wrong direction.
Hmmm. I didn’t actully mean to say “Yo”. I’m neither African-American nor a pirate.
[...] Posted by Paul Zannucci on July 20, 2008 Okay, Jeremy Sarber, of Jeremy Sarber & Friends, normally posts his own stuff when he chooses to over here, so hopefully I’m not stepping on his toes, but he has a great article up that includes several amazing videos you need to watch. The argument is that too many people vote on emotion rather than intellect. Read and watch: Voting With Emotion Rather Than Intellect [...]
I don’t know you personally, Paul, but the “yo” did seem a bit out of character. Made me laugh though.
Jeremy – - this is an excellent piece. From what I have observed, including attempting to have rational discussions with Obama supporters, the typical response to “why do you support him” usually is the equivalent of, “Because he’s soooo dreamy!” – - Jay
Oh, goodness. I find that sad because I know you’re right.
Yo Dawg,
I find what Barack Obama has tapped into is brilliant. There is a good amount of sentiment that this country is heading in the wrong direction, and the word and need for “change” is such an inclusive, blanket word that it really took off. It allows many people to incorporate what they’d like to see changed about this country. Interestingly enough, Obama has gotten a lot more milage out of this than I thought he would, and he’s going to really have to step it up and become more specific in his plans and what he sees as “change” in this country, because so far, he’s been somewhat evasive.
But that guy in that picture… he is apparently unhappy with a wide number of things, and wants somethings to change. And you can’t blame Obama for tapping into that desire that so many people have and running with it.
That’s really my point though. Even an Obama-supporter like yourself is willing to admit his message of change is without real substance. He should have stopped being evasive long before now. I’d like to see some changes made myself, but just chanting change will never compensate for a lack of realistic and practical policies.
I attribute some of that to how long the Democratic primaries lasted. Compared to Hillary Clinton, Obama was the “change” people said they needed. Now that the primaries are over though, I am hoping there is more real talk about his issues and his positions on them.
I think he should have addressing his policies back then. People were voting for him, for crying out loud. What were they voting on if not policies?
They were voting on emotion. He generated more excitement than Clinton did, and he ran with it. He stuck with what worked.
That’s true. You don’t believe that qualifies someone to be president though, do you?
No, but that is why this next month or so is going to be very very vital to Obama’s campaign. I think its great to generate excitement in your party, but the substance is what counts. I’m not going to write him off as all fluff yet, but the ball is in his court to prove what he stands for (besides “change”) to the public. And I am willing to give him that chance.
Fair enough.
I agree with this post that we shouldn’t be voting with our feelings. However, I want to point something else out. I’m a little doom and gloom perhaps, but how many Americans are educated enough, to give any one accomplishment for John McCain? I believe that McCain at least has accomplishments, where Obama seems to have none, but how many people can name them?
I think you’re right.
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[...] Voting With Emotion Rather Than Intellect [...]
People are very emotional when they go to the polls this time because many of them have lost their homes, can’t afford the simple things in life anymore, and have lost their jobs. To be honest, the American people were emotional too before war in Iraq was declared, but it turns out Saddam didn’t have any WMD’s over there (I know because I served twice there). I’ve talked to a lot of people about this election too, and most of them declared that with the US economy in bad shape, the national deficit, and the wars, what is the worse thing Obama can do as the next President?
How about revoke our freedom and change the fundamental American way?
I’m voting for Obama because he is not a republican. Republicans have made such a mess of the last eight years that I would vote for a dead raccoon before I would vote for a republican. It’s funny, but if the republicans ever did what they always talk about, which is reduce government and reduce spending and ensure freedom, I would vote for more republicans. But all republicans ever deliver is lies and hypocrisy and fear mongering. Who needs that?
But I do support Obama on his very limited record. But one vote in particular puts him head and shoulders above almost everyone else in our government, and that was when he voted NOT to invade Iraq, which proves he as a lot more wisdom and courage than almost everyone else in the US government, because invading Iraq was one of the biggest and most selfish mistakes that America has ever made.
I love you all,
Uncle Sam
get the Truth at http://www.ForwardParty.com
Oh, please. Every Republican I talk to says the same thing when I ask them why they are voting for McCain: “Because I don’t like him, I don’t like the failed policies of the last eight years, but I’m scared of Barack HUSSEIN Obama.” It’s nothing but voting out of racist fear. If this election were being held in any other Western country, Obama would be leading in the polls 80 -20. If voting based on fear is not “emotion-based” voting, I don’t know what is.
You have wowed me with your wisdom. You would vote for a Republican if they held to conservative principles such as reducing government size and spending, but you want to vote for the most liberal Democrat who will grow government like we’ve never seen. Sounds reasonable to me.
It’s a bit naive to blame all of our problems on Bush when the Democrat Congress has an even worse approval rating (and track record).
Republicons are missing the point about Obama’s appeal, which is why the Cons are going to lose this election.
The Cons keep claiming that Obama has no experience. Even if that’s true, which it isn’t, it does not matter. People want inspiration at this time, and Obama brings it. John McCain is not inspirational, and we don’t want him. Sarah Pain is just plain scary and stupid, and reveals a lot about McCain’s own judgement. If he was willing to pick a completely unqualifed person to be VP, why should we trust him to be president?
The cons conveniently forget that Abraham Lincoln had no political experience coming into the office of president, either.
Experience would be a nice bonus, but we don’t need people who are experienced at making bad decisions. We need someone to inspire confidence and optimism, which is what Obama is all about. And that’s what people want. Meanwhile, the republicons keep trying to scare us with shrill cries of “the sky will fall if Obama gets elected!”
Don’t forget to visit http://www.ForwardParty.com when you need some truth.
I love you all,
Uncle Sam
I have thought for a long time….that Republicans use the emotion of fear to earn votes. That and abortion. Then they get in office and never do anything about abortion. But, they love how it makes people feel ….when they say they are pro life. So, really what is the validity in what republicans use…It seems to me…it is emotion,…I believe people re-elected Bush…because of FEAR!!
U.Sam said “Republicons are missing the point about Obama’s appeal, which is why the Cons are going to lose this election” one perfect example of emotional statement rather than one derived by thinking: 1. USam does not and cannot know the outcome at this point and uses emotion (anger) to convince (himself) that he does 2. USam speaks of inspiration of confidence and optimism in place of experience which compares apples with oranges.
Good article and to the point.
Jeremy,
I find it funny that all of you righteous bloggers speak about others being ignorant, and you can’t even spell. Keep your right wing views to yourself until you can learn how to spell. It’s UTOPIAN you moron……I guess a EUTOPIAN society is a perfect society in Europe somewhere?
I would just like to point out that we did find hundreds of pounds of uranium (used to make nuclear weapons) in Iraq and moved the last bit to Canada this past July. We also just killed the 2nd in command of Al Qaeda last month. Guess where he was found, that’s right Iraq. So if your argument is I support Obama b/c he voted against going to war in Iraq then I suggest you rethink that and come up with a better reason. We went to war with Iraq b/c we said they harbored terrorists and had weapons of mass destruction. BOTH of those reasons were true. Now Iran is actually rooting for Obama and you think we should elect him?
I am voting for McCain because he has a fair tax plan, is against abortion (especially partial abortion), and believes in reform rather than throwing billions more dollars at plans that don’t work.
I am voting for McCain because I know Obama is a danger to our country. He looks weak to our enemies and they eagerly look forward to him being in charge of this country.
My wife who teaches kindergarten even has students discussing that they like Obama because he stands for change. Uh, perhaps that is the problem with the whole country. The intelligence of those voting are no higher than her kindergarteners who are swept away by anything that is anti-Bush. But in the end, the destruction to this country will be far worse than anything the liberals accused Bush of. God help us.
Both sides have those people who vote their emotions. Look at those who call all democrats baby killers, and abortionists. Yet there were less abortions under Clinton than in the last 8 years of Bush. Stop distributing birth control to the poor teenagers and they will get pregnant. Ask Palin?
Some will decide an abortion is better for their life than a child. And are you going to adopt a child of “color”? No one does. So Many will vote because of this “emotional” issue with little thought. The best reason to vote for Obama was expressed in the conservative Atlantic Monthly. Under 10 reasons a conservative should vote for Obama. Read it for those of us Conservatives, who really looked at all sides of the issues.
Has anyone ever opened an envelope saying they were the next million dollar winner, all they had to do was call a number and buy a magazine subscription? Change is easily promised. Besides everyone needs not forget that jimmy carter started the mess with housing and Bill Clinton made our country look weak in the eyes of the world. Bush got stuck on cleanup and though he is not perfect did a pretty good job. atleast he or McCain aren’t quoted in biography as consorting with terrorists for any reason. Also if a man cannot give an opinion on when a fetus is alive, while having children of his own, because he doesn’t get paid enough, what makes you think he will give opinion about someone who differs in opinion on anything else?
As a middle age (53) white woman I am going to clue you in to why people are voting for Obama. He is not George Bush. He is not Dick Cheny. He is not Bill or Hillary Clinton. He is the candidate that is farthest from the bullshit we have suffered from for the last eight years and is still viable. If you want someone to blame for Obama’s popularity blame Bush.
Jeremy:
It’s really hard to take your comments seriously. First, you are obviously a very intelligent individual. Why do you dishonor your rational thinking abilities by writing with such authority and conviction about subjects that appear to be beyond your scope of human experiences and understanding? I can’t believe it is just terminal arrogance. I figure you have an agenda that has nothing to do with publishing the truth or even a balance perspective of complex social issues. It is filled with the same old tired manipulation and propaganda techniques I have seen a thousand times before. State what a person is thinking as if you are a mind reader, defined his philosophy and give a harsh, one-sided critique of what he stands for, and condemn him for it.
But if you really believe what you wrote here, here is some food for thought.
I am a Democrat, and I met Senator Obama at a workshop he was hosting for my church as a member and perhaps part of his community activist responsibilities. At that time, he was just a State Senator. I found him extremely sincere, spiritual, thoughtful, highly intelligent and motivated in a inspirational way to improve the lives of ordinary people: all the things you would like to see in a public servant. If you really want a good synopsis of why I am voting for Senator Obama, read or listen to Retired General Colin Powell’s comments on the reason he crossed party lines and endorsed Senator Obama on U-tube.
During the long primary and general election, millions of people, including Colin Powell got to know Senator Obama well while he operated under intense scrutiny and in the highly charged atmosphere of national politics. I found myself in general agreement with his ideology he expressed in debates and while campaigning, and concurred with his approach to addressing our national problems. And yes I did start to admire his gifts and abilities that have been on display throughout this election. I also found myself in frequent disagreement with Senator McCain position on critical issues. If you provide me with your email or phone number, I would love the opportunity to discuss some of Senator Obama’s ideology and position on the issues and debate you on them.
When I read your comments I think about the era of McCarthism where intolerant individuals went after people who disagreed with them. Why do you have to demonize Senator Obama’s supporters? Take a step back and read your article again. You are the one who appears to have your emotions raging out of control. It’s us ”Democrats” against the “Republicans”, and we are hypocrites, and immoral, etc, etc,. Your comments don’t do you justice. This article represents a practice that is un-American to say the least and my advice to you and others is don’t give in to your emotions and start bashing your opponent because you disagree with his or her’s philosophy or more appropriately don’t seem to really understand your position on the issues. Stop labeling people as Democrats or Republicans and making unproven and ridiculous characterizations. That is called PREJUDICE. A balance, intelligent person knows there is evil in both parties. Don’t let you passion for one candidate over another cause you to compromise your basic sense of fairness and decency in how you treat other human beings. Seek to understand before judging. Since you quoted the Bible, I’ll tell you something to think about. Let’s hope the harshness in which you judge Senator Obama and his followers is not the way YOU will be judge by the God who loves all of us.
I can’t count the times I’ve heard I FEEL abortion is wrong. This is the sole reason many I’ve talked to are voting for McCain/Palin
Jeremy, your comments were obviously given considerable thought and as someone else noted you appear to have a formidable intellect. However, it does not appear to me that you have done much to research your position. I’ll address several of your points below. However, first let me respond to your main point: that those who support Barak Obama are voting emotionally. First, I think that the Republican party is leading th is great nation down a dark path. The last eight years have seen a slow errosion of our civil liberties in the name of increased security. This is a slippery path. It was exactly these sorts of argument that the Nazis used to accumulate greater and greater power in Hitler’s hands. I am NOT, repeat NOT comparing the Republican party to those thugs. I am saying that the willingness to exchange freedom for security can lead to frightening places. About a year ago I read a post from a conservative about the President’s wiretapping program (which, BTW, didn’t really bother me, though I thought it redundant given FISA). He said, and I quote, “They [the government] can listen to all my calls if they want, as long as they keep me safe.” That is a frightening attitude. As Benjamin Franklin said, those who exchange freedom for security will soon have neither.
Second, I don’t think Reaganomics works. Trickle-down doesn’t work. Since the Reagan-era, America’s rich have gotten richers, controlling an ever greater portion of the nation’s wealth, the poor have gotten poorer, and the middle-class has shrunk. These are not good things for a democracy. A democracy, IMHO, requires a strong and vibrant middle-class. I’m not sure we have that now.
Third, John McCain of 2008 is not the John McCain of 1999. He has moved far to the right on many issues (and I’m not the only one who thinks so, including many former supporters, including Republicans I know). If he was willing to do that to secure the election, what else might he do? I don’t want to find out.
Fourth, just from listening to her comments and researching her history, I do not feel Palin is qualified to be president and, since she might, it is another reason not to vote for McCain.
Now to address some of your points:
“Some of the greatest leaders the United States has ever known were terrible, completely uninspiring speakers. Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln are just two that would fall into that category. What about experience? What about leadership ability? What about fundamental, American principle?”
Abraham Lincoln’s sum total national political experience was a single term in the House. What about his experience?
Leadership? Barak Obama has demonstrated considerable leadership, even if you don’t like where he leads people.
“Barack Obama and fellow liberals are successfully converting human emotion into political gain.”
All politicians do this. It’s part of the job. The Republicans did this by converting the fear of 9-11 into political gains at the poles and in the Chambers of Congress, just to name one example.
I’m sorry, but your arguments simply don’t hold water. And I’m not even a Democrat but an Independent who’s voted Republican in the past and just can’t do so again.
Jason
First I am an educated 62 year old woman. The term “I feel” is quite often used instead of “I believe” or “I think such and such”, especially when one doesn’t want to get into a big argument.
I work alot with the elderly and I can tell you that these people (and myself)
are checking out the claims of both sides. With the computer age, goverment sights availablity, easy access to Newspaper and magazine sights, we are more informed than we ever have been. Maybe us older people have more time to spend on these things than you young people do but us old “farts” are voting from an informed viewpoint. We also feel we are right on who we are voting for, even if our intellect has taken us in a different direction than you. Our years have taught us a thing or two.
By the way, have you read Barack’s two books? If not please find the time. I think you will enjoy them.