The making of the ‘masa’ vote – Feb. 08, 2004
” Command votes have diminished over time, mainly, I think, as a result of the political emancipation of the poor from their traditional patrons and handlers. Political strategists today are now more interested in the so-called “market” votes, voters without permanent loyalties, who respond to a broad range of messages and enticements.
“In the past, the poor did not have political opinions of their own. They trusted and relied on the judgment of those whom they respected or feared in their communities, those who wielded moral and economic power over them. These were the landlords, religious leaders, the few respected professionals in their communities, and the active movers and shakers of local electoral contests. That era has passed without our realizing it.”
Read Randy David’s column today.
