In The Time It Takes To...

For 57 minutes and 26 seconds I browsed the CNN election website. In about the time it takes to watch an episode of Grey's Anatomy, I watched campaign commercials for seven candidates and read two speeches. I learned that Seth Green and Ben Stiller support John Edwards and Adam Sandler supports Rudy Giuliani.

On a more serious note, I looked at every candidate's views on abortion, the Iraq war, gun control, healthcare, same sex marriage and taxes in less than an hour. Interestingly, or perhaps indicative of the current election, there was significantly more information on health care than other issues.

Conveniently, CNN placed a little purple star with the word "out" on the photos of Joe Biden, Chris Dodd, Bill Richardson, and Tom Tancredo, the latest victims of the Iowa Caucus and New Hampshire primary. That way I don't waste my time looking at their political views.

Did I decide after looking at this website who I will vote for in November? No, I won't make a decision based on an overview. But it did give me better insight into the candidates, what they stood for as senators, governors and mayors, and what they'll most likely do if elected president.

The point? The next time you're watching your favorite television show, any given weeknight, check out this website. Educate yourself about the candidates. Think about your own views and prepare to vote intelligently this coming November.

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/issues/issues.healthcare.html

-Rebekah

For the first time, I watched an episode of Grey’s Anatomy. I am sorry to report that it did not hold my attention. I think I will stick to Dr. House’s witty sarcasm versus Dr. Grey’s existential ponderings.

I did not watch Grey’s (as fans call it) on television; I took the shortcut and borrowed the DVDs from a friend. It took me 42 minutes and 22 seconds to finish the episode.

Before watching my first ever episode of Grey’s Anatomy, I browsed the CNN election website. I read summaries of both Republican and Democrat stances on the abortion, guns, health care, immigration, same sex marriage, social security, stem-cell research, taxes and the conflict in Iraq. I also read “Your income taxes: What the candidates Want” and “Tax Breaks: What Candidates are Proposing” by Jeane Sahadi. By reading both the summaries and the articles, I finally decided how to vote in the primary. It only took me 32 minutes and 44 seconds.

I am not saying you should give up your Grey’s time; that time is special. Just keep in mind that you could decide how to vote or learn a little about the presidential candidates in less time than it takes to watch an episode that maybe you have already seen.

-Faith