California recall: democracy as media circus

"With a motley cast of characters including Arnold Schwarzenegger, former child actor Gary Coleman, porn maven Larry Flynt and buxom artist Angelyne, the race to replace California Gov. Gray Davis is heating up to be the next media circus of the century" (Fox News, 8/10/2003). So far there has been no real examination of the issues. The above Fox News quote is symbolic of how this election is being covered: the actor Arnold Schwarzenegger is presented as a respectable favorite and the others as a bunch of freaks who are amusing. From watching and reading the mainstream media, one comes away with two ideas: that this is turning into a media circus and that Mr. Schwarzenegger is the heavy favorite. Unfortunately, by focusing on the spectacle instead of political issues, the media is ensuring that this will happen, practically guaranteeing a Schwarzenegger victory.

Left Notes is not endorsing a candidate, but we encourage Californians to resist the media hype and consider the following candidates:

• John Christoper Burton, Socialist
• Cruz Bustamante, Democrat (Lt. Governor)
• Peter Miguel Camejo, Green Party
• Arianna Huffington, Independent
• Georgy Russell
• C.T. Weber, Peace & Freedom Party

Related articles:

• California recall exposes political myths (World Socialist Website, August 18, 2003)
• Big fight takes shape in California recall (People's Weekly World, August 14, 2003)
• Socialist candidate John Christopher Burton placed on ballot in California recall election (World Socialist Website, August 12, 2003)
• Over 100 candidates certified for California recall ballot World Socialist Website, August 11, 2003)
• John Christopher Burton, civil rights attorney and socialist, to run in California recall election (World Socialist Website, August 9, 2003)
• John Christopher Burton's Candidate Statement (World Socialist Web Site, August 9, 2003)
• Socialist Equality Party endorses campaign of John Christopher Burton in California (World Socialist Web Site, August 9, 2003)