Amy Fried, Associate Professor of Political Science and Associate
Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
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Amy Fried
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Despite having the longest continually operating democracy on Earth,
it is hardly uncommon to hear concerns with Americans' civic life. Every
decade or so, a major book comes out that holds that Americans have lost
their connection to each other and their interest in the common good.
Robert Putnam made this case in his 2000 book, "Bowling Alone," as did
the best-selling multi-authored 1985, "Habits of the Heart." Indeed,
these two works comprise but a recent pair in a long train of complaints
and lamentations.
Even as writers kvetch about their fellow citizens, these authors rarely
offer detailed, practical plans for increasing and deepening
involvement. At times, their proposals are maddeningly vague, from
democratic theorist John Dewey's call that "Communication can alone
create a great community" to Putnam's exhortations for people to get to
know their neighbors.
Yet the 2008 election brings with it the prospect that a new age of
civic involvement is at hand. During the nominating period, particularly
in the very lengthy, competitive, and emotionally engaging Democratic
contest, voting and caucusing were at record levels. In virtually every
state (with the unsanctioned Michigan and Florida primaries as prominent
exceptions), turnout among Democrats compared to Republicans was higher
than the percentage of the vote received by John Kerry in the November
2004 election. Overall, the numbers of primary and caucus participants
were extraordinary by any historical standard.
With clear issue differences between the candidates, and high interest
in the campaigns and the state of the nation, turnout should be
extremely high in the fall. Campaign operatives are using new
communications tools –social networking sites, self-organized groups
within each campaign's Web site, e-mails, and blogs – to get prospective
voters to volunteer, donate, and vote. Still, voting or caucusing does
not an engaged citizenry make. That requires an on-going commitment.
Looking beyond the fall election, both candidates have suggested their
interest in a civic agenda. Speaking in Indiana in late April, Senator
Obama spoke of the internet-fueled elements of his organization as "a
structure that can sustain itself beyond this campaign." Saying that,
"The more we can enlist the American people to pay attention and be
involved, that's the only way we can move the agenda forward," Obama
contended his governing style and success would depend on Americans
"paying attention." Obama promised to revamp the White House Web site to
provide a central location for information on policy issues, the
congressional leaders and groups concerned with that policy, and the
means to contact appropriate elected officials. Furthermore, Senators
McCain and Obama have each spoken about decreasing the power of special
interests, of increasing transparency in government. Since the belief
that one's voice matters is correlated with political involvement,
reforms may encourage more activity.
To be sure, these candidates' biographies present different models of
civic concern – military service and community organizing. But both
candidates have demonstrated their commitment to a life of public
service and have heralded the importance of care and sacrifice for the
common good, a value that may inspire citizens to act.
