The Wisdom of Crowds?

Last Sunday there was a political rally in Charlotte. I waited in line, cleared security, listened while huddled amidst the masses - rumored to be 20,000 with 5,000-10,000 more outside of security - to the late September pronouncements about the state of our union.

What struck me during the speech is how few people cared to listen to the candidate. After all, here is a candidate who has been through the primaries, has generated excitement, who is presenting his vision for our country. The bulk of the people around me were trying to get a photo on their camera or cell phone. And once captured, it seemed to be a point of pride, "I saw him." "I got one." "Good shot." Just a few feet away, a woman was on the phone, giving the play-by-play, "Yes. He's speaking now. I am not sure what he's saying, but he's talking right now." Stunned. Amazed. People wait around for a few hours to get in and the do not listen? I do not get it.

From the outside perspective, it would appear that there is groupie effect and they hang on every word. What I saw is that few listened, but all wanted a photo.

I hope that they simply wanted their memorabilia from a significant point in history and were not there as simple, adoring fans.