How Americans choose a candidate

The following quote is taken from "Ben's Guide to the U.S. Government For Kids." I understand not all schools teach from this reference, but it's interesting to see how the U.S. government portrays itself. The site may seem childish and dated, but the words are carefully crafted and directed towards the youth population.

Let's look at the primaries.

"This primary nomination process is a contest that often produces factions within political parties. These divisions impact the policy stances and agendas of the candidates running for nomination as they attempt to garner the support of party leaders and activists." - Ben's Guide, Election of the President and Vice President: Primary Election

Hmmm... so candidates don't base their policies and beliefs based on personal choice, but rather to gain power within their party leaders and activists (lobbyists). I thought they were supposed to gain the support of the voting population. How odd...

Well, how will the voters choose their candidate? Research? Personal belief and conviction? Logic (gasp!)?

"The public’s perception of the candidates is influenced by such things as media reports, public opinion polls, candidate preference surveys, and advertising. These factors will help determine the perceived strengths and weaknesses of the candidates in the months leading up to the caucuses and primaries." - Ben's Guide, Election of the President and Vice President: Primary Election

Ahhh, of course, the media helps choose our candidate for us. Why face the hassle of research, debate, and choice when we could listen to advertising or 200 person public opinion polls? Why discover what your policies would be, when you could attach yourself to a candidate and agree with everything they say? I know this last quote isn't as bad but I hate how there is the perception that we vote as a public, or collective, not as a group of individuals who make up their own minds. The primary system supports the collective voting when it allows the first few states to eliminate candidates which denies later states the opportunity to hear, or vote for their choice.

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-- Joseph Aguirre