Vote straight R? Tell Us Why?

     While everyone is certainly entitled to supply their opinion to the masses, some are better instated than others.  These well sounded opinions can be seen as well-grounded arguments offering an informed view; those lacking in quality are brushed to the side as an un-educated rants.  David Jennings’ article, “Early voting starts today in Texas – vote straight R,” posted in Big Jolly Politics, is an attempt to persuade voters to lean right as they head to the polls this year.
   
      Jennings clearly establishes his conservative view point as he wishes to end the “four year nightmare known as the Obama administration,” with this year’s elections.  There are many individuals, especially Texans, looking to do their part to return power to Republicans on the national level and need no push, rhyme, or reason to do so.  However, many other (presumably more educated) voters would prefer to see some substantiating evidence before making any such decision.  Critical details as to why the Obama administration has been a “four year nightmare” are completely lacking.  Jennings presents no statistics, numbers, or failures of the Obama administration that are required to effectively sway the voting mass.  Even a simple sentence regarding an issue, such as the current unemployment level, would provide Jennings a foothold for his audience to get on.  The argument against the current administration lack logical persuasion, relying solely on ethos present in Jennings’ audience.
   
     On the other end is the argument in favor of voting Republican.  Jennings makes an attempt to back the Republican effort by stating Texas’ economy has thrived under conservative control.  Once again, however, there are no numbers or anecdotal examples supporting this claimed success.  Heavy reliance is placed on the emotions of the reader, using phrases such as “winning team” to create a positive psychological attachment to the Republican party.

     Jennings further attempts to distract his readers from the lack of empirical data by placing focus on the inability of the standard voter to make an informed decision on every elected position.  It is, undeniably, difficult for the average voter to be well versed in every candidate’s campaign, but resources are available to more quickly inform constituents on candidates primary philosophies and general stand point on issues.  The ability and willingness of individuals to take action in order to submit an informed vote should never be underestimated.

     Jennings does do the audience the favor of listing dates and times for voting as well as providing a link for voting locations; all critical information to the voting populous.  In general though, it seems Jennings is simply pushing for Republican votes without providing a firm argument in his favor.
 
Read the original blog here