The mass media - cause of voter's apathy?

It seems as if voters are getting more and more apathetic with each election that passes, and in my opinion, the underlying cause is the media. There is constant coverage regarding the presidential election and the candidates, and as the primaries and the actual Election Day gets closer, it’s only going to get worse. Of course, it’s important that voters are informed when the day comes to make a choice, but there comes a point when it’s just too much. Do we really need to know about the candidates’ food choices while campaigning in each city (courtesy of The New York Times)? Do we really have to see videos and ads of the candidates while browsing YouTube and Facebook? The media overwhelms us with coverage and is taking substance away from our leisure activity, causing many to avoid it, not pay attention, lose interest, or even despise it.

With all the media coverage candidates are getting, they are getting more and more guarded of their actions and words, afraid that they might slip up and lose voters. They are no longer comfortable with speaking freely on their beliefs and stance on certain topics, knowing that what they say will be heard by nearly everyone in the nation, since computers and TVs are so easily accessible nowadays. Trying to please as many people as they can and offend as little as possible, candidates will most likely act and speak as their voters would like them to. They promise one thing and do the complete opposite when the opportunity arises. One only needs to look at the Congress, where Democrats are in the majority. They promised to have a solution to many issues, most importantly the war. They promised, if given the chance, they would put a halt to it as soon as possible. Only now are they beginning to force President Bush into considering withdrawing the troops.

With all this press and coverage that only shows candidates of lying and making false promises, how can one get excited about voting? How can we know that who we vote on will lead our country into a different direction than it is now?