Home | May 18, 2008 - May 24, 2008 »

Week of May 4, 2008 - May 10, 2008

Those obvious questions so seldom asked


I read many political blogs on a daily basis and watch a lot of CNN. I am utterly amazed that some perfectly obvious(to me) questions are rarely asked.  For example, when Senator Clinton makes the assertion that she would be a stronger candidate in the GE because she would carry the "white working class vote," why doesn't someone in the media ask, "Since only one out of nine African Americans is currently supporting you, what argument would you make to this group to change their ways and back you in the GE?"I think her answer would be tortured in the extreme and very revealing of the devious campaign she is waging.  When a McCain surrogate makes a statement casting doubt on Obama's patriotism (and this will be happening more and more frequently), why doesn't someone ask McCain the simple question, "Do you think it is fair and honorable for your supporters to impugn the patriotism of your opponent?  If you agree that it is not, what moral persuasion can you use to stop these attacks?" To the argument that there are some whites who would never vote for Obama because he is black, why doesn't someone ask, "Well, you know, Obama is black AND white.  He is a part of both worlds.  His father was African but he was raised by WHITE people: his mother and his maternal grandparents." By always referring to him as the "black candidate," this very, very important fact is never put out there for voters to ponder.  To those pundits who insist on bringing up Rev. Wright's offensive remarks, why doesn't someone ask, "Do you think the Reverend is worthy of your forgiveness?  As a Christian, would you consider condemning the sins but not the sinner?"What I am suggesting with these questions is that the current political discourse could be framed in a way that would actually help voters appreciate complexity and become skeptical of biased labels and slogans.  Don't we deserve more?
Home | May 18, 2008 - May 24, 2008 »

Undoctored

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