Time magazine once called Dick Morris "the most influential private citizen in America." This lofty
praise eventually was followed by a Washington scandal and humiliating plunge from grace. The last time
most people heard about Morris, he was under attack for patronizing a prostitute while under the employ of the
White House.
But a fringe benefit of life in the political arena is near-instantaneous forgiveness for virtually any sin,
public or private. Morris is a survivor who has worked both sides of the political aisle as a consultant
(serving Bill Clinton and Trent Lott, among others). Now he's back with a book that puts him in the media
spotlight just as the presidential campaign rolls into high gear.
The meat of "Vote.com" (Renaissance Books, $24.95, hardback) seems a bit lean at first: The Internet
is altering America's political landscape. This is news? Fortunately, Morris offers some interesting
research to shore up his insider experience and strong opinions.
Contrary to the seemingly shopworn hypothesis, Morris's report is more prime beef than literary
hamburger. He believes that John Q. Public will increasingly use the Internet to take back much of the
political power now held by politicians, lobbyists, special-interest groups, pollsters, and the Fourth
Estate--the media. Modems are transforming us into the Fifth Estate, he contends, and one day that power
will shake the electoral process from the ground up.
We now can make our views and dislikes known--immediately and loudly--to elected officials at every
level, from precinct to White House. Also, Morris foresees a day when the power of the traditional media to
sway opinion will wither. He writes, "No longer will a handful of top reporters control most headline
stories." With computer access to media outlets, we can grab good information from almost anywhere.
"In time, the Internet will replace the voting machine. It will become the ballot box," he adds.
Not surprisingly, Morris and his wife, lawyer Eileen McGann, have a Web site Vote.com where
Net surfers can cast votes for or against an issue or express presidential preferences with mouse clicks.
Their choices (and e-mail addresses) are then forwarded to political leaders.
The Web-savvy voters' influence on elections soon will be dramatic, Morris predicts.
"Money will matter less. Campaigns will have to become more user-friendly, interactive, and
attractive. Voter turnout will rise as the opportunities for interaction increase.
Politicians will have to listen more--a lot more--to the people." So will lobbyists and polltakers. It's an
appealing scenario for almost anyone tired of the political status quo.
Unfortunately, Morris barely touches on government and media backlash against online democracy
(Internet taxes, for example). And he offers scant warnings about fraudsters and monied interests that
surely will try to capitalize on the digital shift of power. But, in his view, the will of the people will
prevail--with a little help from the Internet.
