What is the Purpose of Political Conventions?

[Grendel]

Highly reputable is in the eye of the beholder. Ones that tell the politicians the things they want to hear are the one they regard as highly reputable.

Apparently, radio, television, national newspapers and supernarket tabloids are for some reason completely unaware of these polling scams.

And all of the above have owners who decide what gets reported by their media.

[Grendel]

First of all, advertising is freedom of speech

If as you say in the US a MacDonald's TV commercial is freedom of speech, then I have no objection to "corporate advertising for consumer products during light entertainment broadcasts" being regarded as the dictionary definition for freedom of speech...... in the US.

[John]

On what basis should the government be able to dictate the conditions under which my vote can be cast?

Who should?

[bobevenson]

On what basis should the government be able to dictate the conditions under which my vote can be cast?

Who should?

That's my point, nobody should, particularly the government, which is our penultimate most dangerous institution.