Like most Americans, I didn’t watch the staged media spectacle better known as the presidential debate. It is not just because I didn’t have a dog in that fight; it is because to me the quadrennial political mini-series is nothing more than a rigged, wasteful use of an hour and a half of prime time television.
First of all, it is not really a debate but a glorified press conference. Journalists hurl softball questions at the candidates giving each the opportunity to regurgitate their perfectly rehearsed sound bites. Wouldn’t it be more worthwhile if Obama and Romney were allowed to go toe to toe by stating their positions, asking each other questions, and arguing the merits of their positions without any filtering from an aloof journalist moderator? Better yet, wouldn’t it be more worthwhile if other candidates were allowed to participate and give Americans a chance to hear views other than the sanctioned establishment line.
Then there is the fact that once again the major parties have nominated two candidates for president who are quite similar. Whether it’s Social Security, corporate bailouts, endless wars, or government spending, Obama and Romney agree more than disagree on most issues. Isn’t it time that other views besides the one that has gotten us into our economic mess, endless wars, and erosion of constitutional liberties be allowed to be heard?
Lastly, as is always the case in the debates, several important issues were totally avoided. What about our military’s continued drone war that has left hundreds of civilians dead in Pakistan? What about the failed War on Drugs that has made America the number one jailor in the world? Okay, the first debate’s focus was domestic policy, so killing innocent foreigners was outside that realm, but the violence engendered, the lives ruined, and the constitutional liberties destroyed by Washington’s decades’ long insane drug policy could have been broached.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
Considering the bump he got in the polls attributed to the first debate, I imagine Romney's team would disagree with your premise.
2 - Leroy
I skipped the TV debate and scanned thru the transcript provided by CNN. Didn't look like anything changed, except Romney attributed a $90billion green energy giveaway to Obama that doesn't exist.
3 - Reggie Beauchamps
Joe Biden with the cameras rolling is always good for a laugh or two. Can't wait until the circus rolls into Kentucky tonight.
4 - robert
I completely agree with this article. This charade is like politcal pro wrestling. I can't believe I actually bought all this shit for such a long time.