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OilemFirchen

(7,143 posts)
Wed Dec 2, 2015, 04:45 PM Dec 2015

Endorsements don't influence opinion? Horseshit.

As I've stated repeatedly, I am indifferent as to which Democratic candidate ultimately becomes the nominee. Any of the choices would be fine, and whichever is the nominee will earn my unflinching support.

That does not mean, however, that my vote in the Primary will be a random selection. Having been mildly browbeaten for my declaration that I'll make that decision on the day I vote, I'll reiterate, again, that said decision will be based on contemporaneous observations - one of which is that which is informed by who, among those with a working relationship with the candidates, has recommended whom by way of an endorsement.

I do the same with many of the decisions in my life. I rely on the mechanic with whom I've established a trusting relationship to provide advice on the maintenance of my truck. I look to those I know in any given industry, if available, to assist me in making decisions about important purchases. And I consult with those who know me best to help guide me through my perilous existence.

Accordingly, I incorporate each candidate's contemporaries' recommendations - if said contemporaries are individuals whose opinions I generally trust - into my voting decision. Those individuals' perspectives are based upon factors beyond my purview. I don't know any of these candidates, and they do. To suggest that I should ignore their professional opinions is asinine.

On March 15, I'll cast a vote for a candidate based upon that candidate's platform, composure, electability and, of course, the advice of others.

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NurseJackie

(42,862 posts)
1. I'm sure there are quite a few mid-to-low information voters who can't decide on their own ...
Wed Dec 2, 2015, 04:57 PM
Dec 2015

... but when they hear that their local newspaper, union, Mayor, Congressperson, Senator or Governor has endorsed a candidate, then it can help in their decision-making process.

Those who are quick to dismiss the value of endorsements are generally the supporters of the candidate who is lacking in endorsements.

OilemFirchen

(7,143 posts)
3. That's certaintly true.
Wed Dec 2, 2015, 06:45 PM
Dec 2015

I'm pretty sure, OTOH, that I'm a well-informed voter. Part of that information pertains to the perception of a candidate by his or her peers. If my senator, congressperson, governor or mayor has or had a direct relationship with the candidate, and I trust that individual's judgement, I'll likewise tend to trust that individual's judgment as regards the candidate.

That seems as unfiltered a perspective as I'm likely to get, and it's clearly useful.

NurseJackie

(42,862 posts)
4. I flatter myself by thinking that I'm ...
Wed Dec 2, 2015, 06:58 PM
Dec 2015

... above the 50 percent mark when it comes to being informed. Although I don't typically rely on endorsements to shape my opinions, it is good to have my opinions validated by the endorsements of other politicians (many of whom have already received my votes in the past) and various groups.

I would be inclined to believe, however, that celebrity endorsements are among the least valuable ones. It's fun and nice to hear that one of my favorite stars or singers has endorsed the same candidate that I have chosen. But it's not something that is going to have much of an effect one way or the other.

Oddly enough, to listen to the right wingers talk, you would believe that celebrity endorsements are the end-all be-all of endorsements. Maybe this helps to explain why they hate Barbra Streisand so much.

OilemFirchen

(7,143 posts)
6. I don't rely on endorsements.
Wed Dec 2, 2015, 07:18 PM
Dec 2015

But I certainly don't disregard them, either. And not because they reinforce my opinions but, rather, that the individual(s) making the endorsement(s) most likely have an informed reason for doing so that's outside my purview. It may even clash with my opinion but it nonetheless is informative.

Celebrity endorsements can be useful too, as long as the celebrity is hawt.

 

HerbChestnut

(3,649 posts)
2. Endorsements absolutely hold influence especially when they're from elected officials.
Wed Dec 2, 2015, 05:35 PM
Dec 2015

That's why this election cycle has been so frustrating for anyone who's not Hillary Clinton. It's painfully obvious that the Democratic Party allied itself with the Clinton campaign early on and was never going to support any of the other candidates even as Bernie Sanders gained in the polls. In fact, I'd wager Bernie's (I) status has something to do with him receiving very few endorsements from (D) officials compared to what Obama received eight years ago when he was behind nationally by a similar margin. It's that last bit that deludes the value of these endorsements to those who are paying attention.

OilemFirchen

(7,143 posts)
5. I have no reason to believe that my Senator (Sherrod Brown) is insincere in his endorsement.
Wed Dec 2, 2015, 07:03 PM
Dec 2015

He's worked with both and recommends Clinton. My vote will be impacted, but not exclusively decided, by that.

Hortensis

(58,785 posts)
7. EXCEPT for the large disaffected blocks on both right and left
Wed Dec 2, 2015, 07:19 PM
Dec 2015

who are now making an entire ideology out of being anti-establishment. Endorsements and years of experience on the job are "proof" of corruption and incompetence -- to the point that Trump looks good.

FWIW, I also pay attention when I read that people I know are both competent and committed to the same general outcomes I am have endorsed someone I'd dismissed.

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