Do issues matter in the 2012 election, or are demographics destiny?

[RandySF]

The past few elections indicate that demographics and location drive electoral outcomes and issues only matter inasmuch as they drive turnout. So, does Obama really need to persuade people to vote for him, or just get the right people to just vote?

[The Magistrate]

1. The Latter, Sir, is The Whole Of the Political Art Here Nowadays

[DJ13]

2. So, does Obama really need to persuade people to vote for him

Nope.

Both sides will be playing the "vote for me so the other guy doesnt become President" game this year.

Its the preferred tactic so voters cant say they expect certain promises to be kept once in office.

[woo me with science]

5. Thank you. I have never seen such vapid, empty campaigns

during a time of desperate national need for concrete solutions.

They know that the 99 percent don't like where they plan to take us, so there are no promises....just a bunch of flags and "the other guy would be worse."

It is an outrage, but it is what happens when we have corporate-selected potential rulers, rather than real representatives.

[RKP5637]

3. I think the republicans have done themselves in ... if one looks at

their campaign issues, one almost has to loathe themselves to vote republican IMO, unless on the take in the top few percent. On social issues, the republicans want to go backward a few centuries. I guess some people would love that, but not the majority. IMO, Obama, is the only adult.

[msongs]

4. Provide compelling reasons for people to vote for AND protect people's access to voting nt