Most informed the most biased?
I think the study cited by professor Atchison is very interesting, because it is quite contrary to what alot of people probably think, and at least what i thought anyway. the most "politically informed" people (such as all those "politcal experts" on the news) are also the most likely to cling to their party lines despite evidence against it (such as the best-informed Republicans saying the budget deficit got worse during Clinton's first term when it went down by 90%, or the best-informed Democrats saying similar things about Reagan).
what interests me too is why this is the case. you'd expect the most politically informed people around to admit that yes, the other party actually did a decent job of reducing the deficit this term or of passing such and such a bill (even though they will always say their party could've done even better). Does it all come down to self-interest? do they know the opposite party in power did a decent job, but just dont want to admit it because it will make them look bad?
I see it as being professional self interest moreso than political. Producers of cable news shows want an 'expert' to express a view that coincides with the show's agenda, be it in agreement with the targeted viewership or someone to look like a fool arguing for the other side. I see it as little more than an acting gig. The expert gives the producers what they want, and they can be hired again in the future to weigh in with their viewpoint.
I see it as being professional self interest moreso than political. Producers of cable news shows want an 'expert' to express a view that coincides with the show's agenda, be it in agreement with the targeted viewership or someone to look like a fool arguing for the other side. I see it as little more than an acting gig. The expert gives the producers what they want, and they can be hired again in the future to weigh in with their viewpoint.
It is very interesting and yes it really does not make sense. The more logical and knowledgeable you are about a topic the more unbiased you should be. I think alot of it has to do with ego of some of these so-called experts. I think alot of it has to do with money and sponsors. To me it is actually really sad because it just shows the stubborn ways ofI some of these political analyst. I would also proclaim that it does not stop there. The whole political field seems to be just a bunch of people looking out for their parties best interest.
I remember as a young teenager watching the Bill Clinton scandal and the impeachment hearings in which they had a vote whether to impeach following the aftermath of the sex scandal. And I remember being confused on why all the Democrats were voting to not impeach and why all the Republicans were voting to impeach. What did Bill Clinton do that was at all political? He messed around with some woman, and seemed to lie to all of us. This was either permissable (and not grounds for impeachment) or it wasn't (and impeach him). It is either morally right or morally wrong, what difference would it make to an individual what political party they belonged to. Well of course I know now that it is all political, and unfortunately it is just the way it is.
Alot of it probably has to do with some of the ego's of these so-called political experts. They spend hours each day trying to convince other people to feel the way they feel. When something comes to light that proves them wrong it must be hard to admit that. Not saying they are justified in their actions...just saying.