Colin McEnroe Show: Primary-PALOOZA
Explaining a few of the races that might be off your radar screen.
Today on the show, we'll talk to the Secretary of State and to reporters and pundits about the primary day unfolding in the state.
One of the things we'll talk about is turn-out. But to make my producer Patrick Skahill happy, let me talk for 45 seconds about history.
Elections in the 19th-century were extravaganzas of massive parades and performances. Glee Clubs were formed just to travel a county stumping for a party, and their rolling stages with curtains, flags and an organ sometimes took 20 mules to pull.
In New Haven in 1880, the political campaign comprised 42 clubs and 68 marching companies -- for a city of only 62,000 people. One third of the voters either signed up for a club or marched in a procession. (Read Michael Schudson's "The Good Citizen" for more.)
We'll be lucky if you make it the polls today. In 1880, you would have done something entertaining by now.
You can join the conversation. Leave your comments below, e-mail colin@wnpr.org or Tweet us @wnprcolin.
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E-mail from Bill
I'm one of those who is turned off by the massive campaigns of Lamont, McMahon, et al. You can't watch the evening news without seeing ads -ads you're already sick of - numerous times.
The slaughter of numerous trees might be forgivable if the mailings said something other than "My corrupt opponent will lead us to hell, raise your taxes and eat your puppy. I, on the other hand, am an outsider who will create jobs. And I love puppies."
The other reason I hate this deluge? It's only the primaries. We know it will only be worse in the fall.
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