Here’s the thing. Never in American political history have two more unpopular people run as major-party candidates for the Presidency. I have a theory about why issues played practically no role in the campaign. Each candidate set about trying to convince the voting public that the other was more unlikable. So, the Presidential campaign was even more about personal attacks than it usually is. If you wonder why political campaigns often descend to the level of personal attack, the answer is simple: they work. So, by the way, does pandering.
Back when I was on Congressional staff, I made a satirical political radio commercial that was never intended to air, and never did. It was to be played at a victory party, if there was one. The commercial said, “Vote for me because my opponent is a son of a bitch and I’m a really swell guy.” Because of the tone of the 2016 Presidential campaign, I’m surprised that my idea wasn’t used this year.
I always vote. I only missed one time, when I didn’t live where I was registered. I’ve even voted by absentee ballot in a school board election. This year, I don’t know what to tell you. I will vote tomorrow, but right now, I think I’ll skip the first office on the ballot.
In a few months, maybe I can make a ton of money selling bumper stickers that say, “Don’t blame me: I didn’t vote for either one.”
