In an 70+ page essay (using the original pages, not our course packet's two sides per page), DFW explains political motivations, campaign tactics, and the confusing nature of it all while continuously remaining fresh and witty. He switches from macro to micro to intermediate so often in his focus that the audience gets a feel for (what seems like) the entire election process, be it the Cellular Waltz or the campaign themes. DFW makes us interested in what would normally act as a literary Lunesta.
The most striking thing to me in terms of content was that every claim or rhetorical question DFW poses is still relevant a decade later. People end up voting whether they register and go push a button or not. It's still near-impossible to tell if someone is really a good leader or merely a good seller. Young Voters are still apathetic. A good fight always gets more airtime than a good debate. What I'm trying to say is, Wallace reminds us this shit (which is how many of us feel about it) still matters, and he writes about it in such a way that is both accessible and stimulating (some would say challenging, or even difficult as f*ck).
One (hopefully) quick point about Wallace's writing style: that is the way the man writes (honestly, if you think this is long go pick up a copy of Infinite Jest). All the DFW writings I've read have been witty, engaging, and always smart. He writes in a way that simultaneously draws the reader in and elevates their thinking; he acts as a guide without being pretentious or degrading. His long, flowing sentences mirror the meandering stream of thoughts running through our heads, and by reading his you can start to figure out their current.
It's late, I'm tired, and we all have an 8 am class tomorrow. To quote DFW: "I see your eyes glazing over, so I'll hush."
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