In an age where the digital landscape reigns supreme, we find ourselves at the cusp of a new era, an era where pixels and algorithms could dictate the fate of elections rather than genuine, human connections and this makes me disappointed. It is on this precipice that I stand, with one foot rooted in the past, and the other reaching out for a more honest, personal future in Mississippi politics. Let me make this abundantly clear: my agitation stems not from ignorance but from the unsettling observation that we have allowed the allure of social media to overshadow the timeless virtues of direct voter engagement.
November 7, the day Mississippians have the privilege to cast their ballots, has arrived, and sadly, we witness too many state politicians relying on the dubious allure of social media and television advertising to win hearts and minds. It is disheartening to see the very essence of political discourse diluted into a mere spectacle of clever memes, TV commercials, and internet fabrications.
Brandon Presley, running for governor, has chosen to harken back to a time when a genuine connection with the people was paramount. He did what was once considered the norm for statewide office seekers – he embarked on a journey through every county in our state, engaging in heartfelt conversations with actual voters as well as advertised in local media. This practice, which we now perceive as old-fashioned, was once emblematic of a candidate's commitment to their constituents. Even Haley Barbour, in his initial run, adhered to this vote getting tradition. But in this day and age, too many candidates seem to believe that a collection of catchy memes and a few well-placed TV commercials can substitute for this grassroots approach.
In stark contrast, Presley's opponent, Tate Reeves, seems to have veered away from the age-old practice of visiting the counties. He opts for the seductive allure of a massive budget, ranging from $9 million to $11 million, to inundate the digital realm with ads and internet content. In his eyes, conversing with actual voters takes a backseat to a belief that elections can be outright purchased, for he is just one among many elected leaders who have succumbed to the false allure of social media. They buy into the notion that people are easily swayed by the virtual world, that they can manipulate the electorate through digital means, and that the truth can be relegated to insignificance if it's not present on the internet.
I yearn to be proven wrong. I hope for a future where voters diligently research, meet candidates in person, and select their representatives based on merit, rather than being swayed by the frivolous content that proliferates on the internet. I yearn for a society where meme-driven politics doesn't take precedence, where faceless internet users from afar don't hold sway over our electoral choices, and where fantastical conspiracy theories don't shape our decision-making.
Some may dismiss my concerns as the rantings of an older generation struggling to grasp the evolution of technology. But I assure you, I am not resistant to change, nor do I harbor disdain for technology. What I am is deeply disappointed. I'm disappointed that the time-honored approach of visiting every county and talking to the people, of listening to their concerns and aspirations, is no longer viewed as essential by most of our statewide officials.
Let us not forsake the roots of democracy for the fleeting allure of social media and digital deception. Let us remember that the heart of our electoral system lies in the genuine connections we make with the voters, in the conversations we have, and in the earnest pursuit of their well-being. Let Mississippians choose their leaders based on what truly matters and let us not allow the specter of the digital age to shroud our politics in a haze of misinformation and deception.
Go vote. Vote not for a party. Vote to make Mississippi better for you and your fellow citizens..
Editor’s note: Joseph McCain is the publisher of The Star-Herald and has over 30 years’ experience in newspapers. Call or email to report a news story idea or to place your ad in the best local and longest serving ad medium in the county. He may be reached at 662-803-5236 (text or call) or 662-289-2251 or news1@starherald.net (email).
