Get Out and Vote!

As the conventions come to an end, and election day nears - people all across this great land are encouraging Americans to get out and vote. After all, it is our most important right as citizens of this country- and if that isn’t reason enough, let us not forget the threat of Diddy. Vote or Listen to Danity Kane!!!!!

The horror. Well as we kickoff the campaign of the 2008 college football season, and as some candidates build hype and others mount concerns, it is important to keep it all in perspective- we haven’t even reached the primaries. Yes, this is the part of the year where many a front-runner emerges from the shadows, or cover of SI, and begin to make a name for themselves. Seven teams received first place votes.

The voting process- a unique device worthy of a separate discussion – isn’t a perfect system. It is nearly impossible to watch all the candidates show why they are worthy of your vote, so we are reduced to sound bytes, write-ups, recaps, highlights, box scores.

And therefore, to build momentum, the teams must make an impact, stir things up, get noticed. Yes, win, but more than that- you gotta wow ‘em! Run up the score! Make bold promises! Build a name brand! And make it look easy.

It’s a different time, the rules are different. The candidates are trying to line themselves up with the best resume possible, as they try to become the last man standing. The contenders? The pretenders? Too early to tell.

So enjoy this time- enjoy the creamy fluff of it all. Enjoy the enthusiasm, the bold predictions and promises. The hope. Don’t deny its importance, for a slip-up now could prove fatal. But remember- the race is just beginning, and every vote counts. Until a computer gets involved, and then, well, it gets complicated.