Is there too much politics and not enough policy in politics today?

It’s better than it used to be.

They used to literally attack each other.

Absolutely! Unfortunately, that’s because policy is complicated, and most of the electorate isn’t willing to spend the time to get to know the nitty-gritty details that matter. So, in the end, we get the politics we’re willing to put up with because not enough people are willing to get involved.

Short answer: Yes.

Egh.

On our campaign, we only go into nasty politics when we’re forced to. It’s a function of the attention span of the voters. Too many voters won’t sit there and listen to a line-by-line analysis of Candidate A’s plan to combat lobbyists. Therefore, Candidate A goes on the air reminding voters that Candidate B is an ex-lobbyist.

Yes, but part of it is human nature and the lust for controversy. The media would not stir the pot if stirring the pot did not attract viewers and readers.

Keep in mind that American’s in general care more about Brittany and Paris than boring stuff like policy.
Policy is not catchy and anything longer than a 2 word bumper sticker will not register with the American people.

lefteh and allengreen: we are all, it seems in agreement. Is there anything that could be done? It kills me when I hear folks say that politicians are all crooks, and you ask them what they knew, and they say he was, like, good character. Or something equally vapid. Hell. I hear people write that here. Few seem to give a shit about policy. They’d rather use looks and character as a way to choose.

Oh never mind. This will not change.