Mediaboss Marketing

Albany

Are we sure this democracy thing is such a good idea?

I realize that's not exactly an inspiring question to ask on Election Day, when you'll repeatedly be exhorted to get out and vote. But the question seems like a reasonable response to the campaign season we've just witnessed, which was less about real issues than any I can remember.

The problem, of course, is not really democracy, which remains a powerful ideal, one we too often take for granted. The problem is how we happen to be practicing democracy at this very moment.

Consider this: Unless there's a dramatic surprise, nearly every significant incumbent on Capital Region ballots is expected to breeze to re-election. That includes two of the regional congressional campaigns and all of the statewide races including the one for governor.

Where's the competition? This is democracy?

The gubernatorial race, in particular, illustrates the tremendous power of incumbency.

Here we have a governor who is not especially popular, but who has stockpiled a massive campaign war chest with much of the money coming from developers and corporations who benefit from state policy.

It's a wonderful system if you're already in office. But it's not so wonderful if you believe in real democracy.

That massive financial advantage has allowed Andrew Cuomo to bludgeon challenger Rob Astorino on the airwaves, while largely avoiding the unpleasantness of an actual campaign.

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Churchill: Campaigns suggest our democracy is broken