Which Way, L.A.?
California Elections: the Pros, the Cons and the Money
The final count won't be in until early next year, but Governor Schwarzenegger, organized labor and the pharmaceutical industry are among those who've raised and spent a record $250 million on today's eight ballot propositions--and that's a record. Judging from the advertising on TV, the money's been used to discourage as well as persuade--and sometimes just to confuse. Moreover, today's LA Times reports that candidates and consultants are prepared to break all records again next year, with plenty of contributors still ready and willing to come up with what's needed. What is it that makes those appeals successful? What parts of the brain are used by voters to make up their minds? Are they getting fed up with the best politics that money can buy? We hear from journalists, academics, political strategists and activists.
By Warren Olney • • 30m ListenThe final count won't be in until early next year, but Governor Schwarzenegger, organized labor and the pharmaceutical industry are among those who've raised and spent a record $250 million on today's eight ballot propositions--and that's a record. Judging from the advertising on TV, the money's been used to discourage as well as persuade--and sometimes just to confuse. Moreover, today's LA Times reports that candidates and consultants are prepared to break all records again next year, with plenty of contributors still ready and willing to come up with what's needed. What is it that makes those appeals successful? What parts of the brain are used by voters to make up their minds? Are they getting fed up with the best politics that money can buy? We hear from journalists, academics, political strategists and activists.
