Uninformed

That’s the title of a book I’m reading by Arthur Lupia.  The book is subtitled:  “Why people know so little about politics and what we can do about it.”

Much of Dr. Lupia’s book is a defense of the American voter.  He points out that many of the questions asked to determine the “political knowledge” of the American voter have almost nothing to do with a voter’s ability to vote intelligently.

For example, a frequently asked question is “Who is the Supreme Court Chief Justice?”  Lupia asks how knowing that would help you when you cast your vote for U.S. Senator.

I agree to a point, but I think Dr. Lupia also misses a major issue.  Knowing who is the Supreme Court Chief Justice really doesn’t matter.  (Roberts?)  

On the other hand, knowing the Court is deadlocked 4 to 4, and knowing that Republicans in the Senate are refusing to even vote on Obama’s nominee, and knowing that Toomey, my Senator, is one of those Republicans, all lead me to vote for the Democratic candidate, Katie McGinty.

And, in fact, knowing that Republican Supreme Court justices voted to gut the Voting Rights Act, and said that corporations could make unlimited campaign contributions because “corporations are people,” and decided to give the Presidential nod to George W. Bush in a partisan decision all affect my vote.

American voters are ignorant, and it does matter.  You want proof?  I can give it to you in one word. 

Trump.