Bandwagon effect apparent in election

The bandwagon effect first appeared in American politics in 1848 when Zachary Taylor used a wagon carrying a band in a parade to gain attention for his campaign. As his campaign became more successful, other politicians started to use their own bandwagons.

The term "jump on the bandwagon" was used to describe people who got behind a politician trying to associate themselves with the success of the politicians even though the person usually didn't consider what they were actually supporting. The bandwagon effect is still a major force in American political elections.

Even with the stark differences between the two candidates in the past 2008 election,four percent of voters were still undecided just five days before the election, according to an article by Mark Leibovich.

It seems many people are more concerned with being on the winning side than actually considering the benefits either candidate would bring to them. People alter their opinions and views to whatever they believe the majority of people believe.

"The original bandwagon theory is that people don't want to miss the party," said Samuel Popkin, a political scientist at the University of California at San Diego.

This is probably not a good thing for democracy as a whole. People need to be involved and active in deciding for whom they will vote, not just going for whoever is more popular. But it brings to question if these people are actually smart enough to make an informed decision about who to choose based on policies and records.

These people are the type of people that will change their favorite sports team midseason. They probably have the newest fad music in their CD player. Or they are wearing the clothing Paris Hilton wears in an attempt to be cool.

"No, no, no, not me," said pollster John Zogby. "It's the stupid people across the street."

No one wants to be identified as part of this group, but many are. Even if they try to justify their indecision, they usually just wait to see who is going to win.

Their public image is more important to them than the ability to run a country. Yes, these people are the people that remake themselves at least twice a year in a feeble attempt to be cool. The scary thing is, there are so many of them.

Following the crowd is dangerous and can lead to disaster. We could get another president like George W. Bush.

There are a few times following the crowd could prove to be the right decision. If I'm in a crowd and everyone starts to run in a particular direction, I will probably run with them.

Academics who have spent years researching the nexus of polling and voter behavior say it takes a change in poll numbers to get voters jumping on board or at least thinking about it.

If the tide turns toward a candidate, persuadable voters begin to ask what thtey've been missing. No one wants to be on the losing side, but having no allegiance to personal values seems worse than losing.

Brian Ponder is a junior mass communication student at UNCA.

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