I agree. And I think you are right to take solace in the points you raised if you support Obama (which I do)
But personally I think even if you were a staunch Clinton supporter, you should be frustrated by last night's venue. It was nothing short of tabloid pandering, breaking the election process down to a maury pauvich show for the first 45 minutes. And I just tried to convince myself we aren't an ideocracy!
David Brooks at the NYT says
this
Quote:
I understand the complaints, but I thought the questions were excellent. The journalist’s job is to make politicians uncomfortable, to explore evasions, contradictions and vulnerabilities. Almost every question tonight did that. The candidates each looked foolish at times, but that’s their own fault.
We may not like it, but issues like Jeremiah Wright, flag lapels and the Tuzla airport will be important in the fall. Remember how George H.W. Bush toured flag factories to expose Michael Dukakis. It’s legitimate to see how the candidates will respond to these sorts of symbolic issues.
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There's so much objectively wrong with this statement no matter who you support. Asking Obama about his relationship with the american flag, whether or not Rev. Wright loves his country and if so, does Obama love his country more? Yes that succeeded in making Obama visibly uncomfortable. So what?
I can ask David Brooks why his mother is such a whore, and I'm sure I would succeed in making him uncomfortable too, it doesn't mean its good fucking journalism. I think people see through this. They know its only good to make someone squirm if you're asking legitimate questions about issues and policy, not through character attacks entrenched in base psychological archetypes like the american flag and unquestioning patriotism.
Also, notice that Clinton and the moderators get a blank check to basically put on their karl rove pants because that's what they expect from the general. By that logic I can go up and punch a spousal abuse victim in the face and say, you may not like it but you should expect it when you get home tonight. Sidestepping any awareness that it is this kind of media activity that's helping people win based on fear of gay marriage.
And interesting enough, George Stephano-whatever, actually appeared on both Hannity's radio show and another right wing radio show where he heard about the Weather Underground connection. So quite literally they were getting their talking points from the neo con media.
But yes I am as optimistic in the body politic. Especially how the audience started cat calling the moderaters at the end.