Throughout the election, but particularly in the last week or so we all continue to hear about the "undecided voter". About how McCain needs a disproportional amount to break his way in order to win or how Obama needs to "close the sale" with them.
I am sure a lot of us are in disbelief that anyone could truly still be undecided at this point in the election. Do they really expect something to happen in the next six days to make their choice for them? Perhaps some people just cannot decide until they are actually alone in the booth, maybe they will just close their eyes or flip a coin once they are there.
Understanding how to convince the undecided voter is something most political campaign managers would give anything for. But can anyone really understand them?
My grandfather is 84 years old. He has voted republican in the past but he hates what Bush and the republicans have done over the last 8 years and he is voting for Obama. He also says he is sick of hearing about undecided voters. Today he sent me a quote from an article written by David Sedaris in the New Yorker. Part of the article reads:
"To put them in perspective, I think of being on an airplane. The flight attendant comes down the aisle with her food cart and, eventually parks it beside my seat. 'Can I interest you in the chicken?' she asks. 'or would you prefer the platter of shit with broken glass in it?' To be undecided in this election is to pause for a moment and then ask how the chicken is cooked."
The whole article can be found here: http://www.newyorker.com/...
Perhaps the answer is more psychological. There are those that suggest the undecided voter may have already made up their mind without realizing it or that their brains are just wired differently.
http://www.welcometoyourbrain.com/...
But I believe there may be another reason. Some people are just uncomfortable talking politics and being "undecided" allows them to avoid upsetting anyone close to them, and in fact can make them the center of attention as people try to convince them to support a certain candidate.
There may also be those that are ashamed of their choice for whatever reason and do not want to discuss it with anyone, content to keep it to themselves.
Still there are those other undecideds that may truly have a good reason for being what they are. I have a friend back in Texas who works two jobs, works odd hours and does not really follow the news anywhere. One of his jobs is a bartender and he has heard all kinds of things about Obama there. However, he is a reasonable person and respects my opinion and after about an hour on the phone I convinced him Obama was the right choice.
So there may still be a few true undecideds who just need more information before making a choice, but time is running out. So I invite you all to find an undecided near you and find out why they have not chosen yet. That is if you feel the truly undecided voter is real.
