Wednesday, November 08, 2006

THE MIDTERM ELECTIONS

If you work in a newsroom, you put in extra hours. It comes with the territory. It is nearly 2:30 am Wednesday morning, and half of our newsteam is still working. Why you ask? We're still waiting for some numbers, duh.

I actually covered Amendment 2 this election--that is the stem cell initiative. It looks like it's going to pass, but just 15 minutes ago, we were wondering if the vote was too close to call. At one point tonight, the difference was only 755 votes. It has been a controversial issue, no doubt. Stem cells are two very powerful words that have evoked emotion, excitement, confusion, and debate these last few months and in particularly, these last few days. This one really came down to the wire.

Elections, good times, good times. I hope this makes sense...my head is spinning. By the way, what a close race between McCaskill and Talent! Very interesting night! I hope you exercised your right to vote. There is always debate in our newsroom whether journalists should vote...

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

So what are the different sides of the debate concerning journalists voting?

Michelle said...

Well, some people say that journalists shouldn't vote because they should always be objective.

Others say that journalists will have an educated vote, which, let's be honest, sometimes seems hard to come by.

Another arguement to vote: journalists are citizens first and have the right to vote.

Max said...

Coming from a family with a a couple of journalist I understand all too well how you feel at 2:30 in the morning :). I keep reminding myself of Bob Priddy of the Missouri Net back in the 2000 elections. I had just started working a job that required me to work third shift and listening to the live streaming of election coverage. Listening to these guys at 6AM still trying to figure out who was going to win just made appreciate all that they do even more.

Max...

Branson Missouri said...

Yo! Whatup Michelle. Yeah, everyone should vote. Lobbyists vote. Candidates vote. Journalists should be required to vote! They probably shouldn't tell people how. I mean if anyone found out David voted for McCaskill he'd have to put Blunt stickers on his car....or something like that .. :)

Michelle said...

Well, I can see both arguments. In theory, you'd think journalists would have an educated vote...but I've also met and worked with journalists who've demonstrated unethical behavior. I've worked with a few people who think it's okay to share their views with people in the newsroom or the community. I am not perfect, but I find that behavior annoying. I believe journalists should have the right to vote at the polls, but it's irresponsible for them to share their views. I believe that, unfortunately, there are some journalists who don't take uphold the noble ideals of journalism.

Anonymous said...

I think what it all comes down to is voting is one of the basic rights of a citizen living in a democratic society. Journalism is my job. I'm not giving up my rights for a job.

I agree with what you said about people flaunting their opinions. But, I think we're all a little guilty of that.