I spend a lot of time watching politics on TV. I have always had this innate compulsion to see it first, to see the moment everyone will be talking about. This is what gives me motivation to drag my ass out of bed and watch 'Meet the Press' and the 'Week' every Sunday. Further, it's why I can certainly say I've watched all 20 debates.
However after watching Matt Taibbi on Bill Maher last Friday (yet another show I watch), I realized that all this TV watching is actually making me stupider. Sure I am certainly above average in my working knowledge of the race, and of the candidates core beliefs on key issues. However, I'm falling into the very trap that I despise. The one where I worship the soundbite, rather than the message.
I witnessed this first hand when I found myself on Wikipedia learning about NAFTA. After realizing I could clearly summarize both Barack and Hillary's positions on the trade agreement without actually knowing about the deal itself I saw my personal error. I mean who gives a shit if you know what their stance is, if you don't know the impact? Granted it was even more pathetic I went to Wikipedia for an answer, however at least it was a move towards substance.
Thank You Matt for helping me realize that my mental laziness is my own fault, and I need to find the enjoyment on the homework portion of politics again.
But for now, fuck it, I'm going to watch some more post debate coverage. I'm taping the Idol.
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