Politics and Advertising

[lupestripe]

Obviously there is a link between electioneering and advertising - after all, politicians are trying to appeal to as many people as possible to vote for them. But should there be subtle differences in how this is done. I have noticed that in this election campaign, the increasing rise of celebrity and fear that people will vote not for issues of intrinsic importance but because x, y, z is backing a particular party. I think this makes a mockery out of politics.

The other thing I have noticed is that the Tories seem to be getting a far easier time of things from the press than Labour and the Lib Dems are. With the polls so narrow in terms of predicting a hung parliament or a Tory majority, I am unsure about whether there is any fairness and balance in the media whatsoever. The negative parts of the Tory manifesto (and there are lots) have not been picked over whereas they have been with the other two parties. I wonder if this election is being controlled by media moguls and executives somewhere.

At least the televised debates will provide some access to the public. I can see how they will improve things from a voter turnout point of view but fear that condensing five years of politics down to three short debates will somehow result in a disingenuous representation of the current circumstances in this country.

The debates will certainly be interesting but I may have to miss them due to being at work. I'll try and tune in if I can. My mind is pretty much made up on my voting preferences although I have made it no secret that I wish for there to be a hung parliament. As I have said all along, Gordon and Dave both strike fear in my heart for different reasons. Luckily I am in one of the Tories target seats so my vote may actually mean something this year. Doesn't mean I'll be voting for them though - there is far too much I vehemently disagree with in thier manifesto for me to even consider that option. And the prospect of Gordon? *shudder*. This year my vote is going to have to be extremely calculated.

Comments

[avon-deer.livejournal.com]

I think this makes a mockery out of politics.

So does lack of any real detailed policies, but that's not stopped the big three.

I wonder if this election is being controlled by media moguls and executives somewhere.

I wonder...

My constituency has moved this year. I am now in Hemsworth which is just as safe a Labour seat as Wakefield. My neighbour has already told me his voting intentions involve dropping his trousers and "marking his cross" with something other than the provided pencil. I probably won't go that far as I have a convention to attend on the 7th, and it's hard to attend conventions from the inside of a cell. However his feelings are understandble, and I myself will be merely going through the motions on the day.

[alexf0x.livejournal.com]

Murdoc...

Greasy Aussie bastard almost runs governments the way that he wants. I hate that man, sky, fox news, the sun newspaper and everything else.

And I was thinking about the soiled vote idea too, it's tempting seeing what little we've got to choose from this time around.

[lupestripe.livejournal.com]

Yep, my opprobrium for Murdoch is quite high as well.

[lupestripe.livejournal.com]

I think if we can get a three party system and a hung parliament, it will be healthy for our democracy. This is what I am hoping for at this election. More debate and more transparency in politics would be a start and although it won't be ideal in the short term, it would represent a step in the right direction I feel.