Why so Undecided?

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Friday September 05, 2008 · 10:28 AM PDT

2008/09/05 · 10:28

In any other election, I might be more forgiving. But, as Scrappy Joe keeps reminding us, "this is no ordinary election," so I'm a little confused.

Who are all these 2008 Undecideds, what are they really waiting for, and how can they still be undecided when the differences between the candidates have been made so clear, especially these past two convention-filled weeks?

Marc Ambinder references a few Undecideds after they've heard both sides lay out their case. An excerpt from one of the Undecideds:

Its been a real roller coaster ride. I was quite impressed by Sen. Obama's speech and found myself planning to vote for him. But the next day, Sen. McCain announced Sarah Palin as his VP candidate, and I moved back to the undecided category.

Gov. Palin's speech was very fascinating to watch. I was a little taken aback by her willingness to go after Sen. Obama, but I also found myself admiring her for being so gutsy and able to pull off such a fantastic speech under such stress. Her obvious pro life stance does give me pause, but I want to here more about her views on this topic and others, before I make a decision.

So I guess, I am still undecided, and will likely wait till the end of the debates to decide.

This person certainly isn't representative of ALL Undecideds. Other excerpts in the piece have more substance. And I'm not bashing indecisiveness here so much, I guess, as some voters' superficiality. Their cavalier attitude toward such an important civic duty. If they're so easily swayed, despite glaring policy differences, I honestly wish for them to stay home on election day. Do less damage.

What are they basing their choice on? I would certainly hope policy, substance, each candidates' actual record. Not the spin, not the podium speeches, not the theatrics. But I'm afraid for some it's the latter.

Am I being ridiculous? Intolerant? Unfair? Probably a little. But in my heart of hearts, I expect people to take this -- ESPECIALLY this election -- more seriously if they are to be involved at all. Is that asking too much?

I'm genuinely perplexed here. Any thoughts?

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