Episode 213: The Myth of the “Rational Voter”
Ep. 213: The Myth of the “Rational Voter”
“Rational ignorance” is a real phenomenon, that predominates our politics. When the average voter does not even know or understand the basic facts underlying their policy preferences, they can’t possibly ascertain whether that policy will actually be in their self-interest or not (it generally is not). This week we discuss a recent questionnaire demonstrating that voters don’t know the first thing about corporate profits but will cheer the politician that promises to come down on corporations the hardest. And, “The Other 98%” graces us with another room temperature IQ meme this week, blaming “deregulation” on a recent listeria outbreak in a major deli meat processing facility. Ignorance is the foundation on which our reality of poor leadership, worse policies, and horrendous outcomes lie.
Related Topics: 2008 Financial Crisis | Corporate Profits | Corporations | Democracy | Deregulation | Meme | Myth | Rational Voter
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