Bush the Best Thing to Happen To American Democracy?

[halfbreed]

Hear me out. I'm not doing this in a partisan way because I'm not making the statement based on his ideology but on what has happened because of him. A record 120 million Americans (still a horribly low number) participated in the election. Many of whom were simply voting against Bush, many of whom simply voted to keep Bush in office. My grandparents voted for the first time in history, for example.

While many of the voters on both sides were uninformed (which is sad) I do believe a vast majority of Americans actually had more information about the most important issues to them than they ever have known in the past.

I believe this is because of Bush. Either Americans love him or hate him (Which some would say is a flaw, myself not included). His strong stance has brought out many voters in an effort to either re-elect him or as some have said, "re-defeat" him.

I think voter participation is the second most important thing in the democratic process (second to a well informed electorate). So the question is: After all of the fuss, do you think George Bush has helped better American democracy or not?


I hope this thread doesn't turn into chepa shots at either canidate as it's not my intent. I merely wish to see if others agree that Bush is the reason for the 120 million turnout.

[Saint Louis]

No matter the reason, it is good to see a high voter turnout.

Now if we could only improve the election process so people didn't have to stand in line for over nine hours or vote at 4:00 am.

[MR. MEOWGI]

Originally posted by Saint Louis
No matter the reason, it is good to see a high voter turnout.

Now if we could only improve the election process so people didn't have to stand in line for over nine hours or vote at 4:00 am.

Personally, I'd rather have a lower turnout than a president who invades other countries for unnecessary wars.

[Saint Louis]

Yes, I too would rather have had a lower turnout instead of four more years of our modern day crusader.

What can I say, I am looking for any sort of positive spin today.

[ima_drummer2k]

I thought the Republicans were the ones that relied on a low voter turnout. :confused:

[nyquil82]

I agree, going hard in one direction on many important issues is bound to get lots of supporters and detractors out into the polls to support/defend policies.

However, this is assuming that the best indication for a good democracy is the number of voters. Political scientists have argued that low voter turnout in the 90's was indicative that citizens were happy. However, if you are saying that the high number of voters is the deciding factor in determining a successful democracy, then yes, being either highly popular and unpopular (but not in the middle) is a sure-fire way to get people in the polls.

[Sishir Chang]

Well high voter turnout is one of the few good things I see coming out of this election. While I don't like the results I think voting is the most important right we have in this country and one not to be wasted.

Hopefully it won't take another polarizing figure to keep voter turnout high.