This is my 300th post!
I take politics pretty seriously in that I think what happens in Washington and in our state capitals matters. I care enough that decisions can upset me or make me angry.
But, seriousness aside, what keeps me tuning into the news and checking CNN.com constantly is something less noble than civic duty. I keep up with politics because it’s fun. It’s like keeping up with celeb gossip, but a little more high brow (in perception anyway). I just find it all so engaging.
From debates to policy talk to scandals, I look forward every day to hearing the commentary of my favorite pundits. I know she did it exactly for this reason, but it really killed me when Governor Palin announced her resignation right before a holiday weekend so that I couldn’t hear what my favorite political commentators had to say about it for days.
I like following a story as it unravels. I love the strategy involved. It’s interesting to see how things get twisted. I’m constantly asking myself the question, “is that person a complete idiot or a political genius?” There’s just so much news every day.
I could never be a politician myself. I don’t have thick skin. I’m not charismatic. And, I have no patience for playing games. I’d probably go in thinking I could really be a different kind of politician and then I’d leave a month later in tears and without any of my former idealism. But, I would like to participate more in politics. You know, flex those activist muscles. Or maybe just the writing muscles.
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Happy 300!
And the “world” of politics is a very intriguing thing to keep up with, even if it isn’t you performing your “civic duty.” I mean, the stuff is very interesting and exciting to follow, and it gives you things to talk about and consider. My problem is some of the things, certain hot button issues, get me really really worked up and upset that I end up not feeling good. But I guess that’s the difference between following politics versus following entertainment-y stuff or sports (though sports can make you upset too). But I’m with you all the way and I couldn’t never be a politician either, mainly because I don’t know if I could be nice to everyone all the time. That’s just not the way I am, haha.
If there’s an issue you’re interested in, definitely get involved! I’ve always been interested in health care issues, so I interned at Planned Parenthood last summer. It completely changed how I see myself within the political process.
Happy 300th! If you like political scandal then I certainly hope you followed Rod Blagojevich. I was definitely proud to be an Illinoisian when that story broke.
happy 300!
and i’m definitely more of a politics junkie than a wonk. i love paying attention and following the story lines, but that’s as deep as i’ve been able to get lately.
Congrats on your 300th!!
I have been following all the health plan talk in Washington closely because it affects my job. Yesterday I was at a 2 hour meeting discussing it and learing about what the House has come up with. And my boss was in DC trying to lobby. Politics can be fun to follow, it is just when you get around people who are so thick headed they can’t see the real issue or what the person is actually saying.
Happy 300th post! :D
You remind me of her: http://www.youtube.com/user/MelissaJenna
You should go back and watch her old political videos
Congrats on your 300th post!!!
I need to follow politics more.
I find politicians very self-serving and simple-minded. I wish more of them would give us, the public, some credit for being somewhat intelligent.
Question – who are your political idols?
I have never found a true interest in politics. Sure, some political discussions or arguments are intriguing, but as a whole, it’s too lackluster and somewhat confusing for me to keep up with regularly.