Could Ferguson and the related topics change the 2014 election-dynamics?

[DetlefK]

Will it polarize people to adhere even stronger to their party of choice?
Or will it cause people to shift their stances?
Will it increase turnout in particular ways?
Will it make a difference?

[still_one]

1. Too early to tell

[jeff47]

2. It could, if people realize the source of the problem

The problem? Turnout in the last Ferguson election was 12%. So you get political leadership selected by that 12%, which then hire police that enforce what that 12% want.

If people want politics to reflect their positions, they have to bother to vote, in every election. No, you won't have the perfect candidate every time. But you'll be able to move the politics in the direction you want.

And when you don't bother to vote, the "perfect" candidate doesn't bother to run.

[global1]

3. I Pondered The Same Question.....

I think Congress is probably glad that they are on break and not as available to the MSM. It's been interesting that very few Congressmen and Senators have made any comments on this incident. Probably good for them - cause heaven forbid that they be on record with any statement that may compromise their Nov 2014 chances.

No comments from McCain. No comments from Lindsay. No comments from Boehner.

Pretty much silence from Congress in general on this incident - unless - I missed their comments through all the demonstration reporting/distorting.

I think though that there is a perfect opportunity to stress how important it is to GOTV. Look at the composition of the city council of Ferguson and the police force. The minority contingent in the community is so under-represented.

I know that a lot of people think that their vote doesn't count and as a result don't vote. But then you get a self-fulfilled prophecy and you wind up with no representation for your interests.

I was heartened by the site of someone setting up a voter registration table on the street in Ferguson. This is a perfect opportunity for people like Rev. Sharpton and Jesse Jackson to make the point of how important it is to GOTV.

I keep saying that there are monied people out their contributing a lot of money to get people to vote a certain way or to deny them of a vote. They are willing to spend big bucks in that quest. They must believe that a person's vote is worth something and that it counts.

That is the point that needs to be made to those that don't feel that their vote counts or is worth anything.

This is a 'teachable moment' here and we need to take advantage of it to have some good come out of this sad situation.