In Defense of Inanity: More on Last Night's Debate
In contrast to all the overwhelming cloud of disgust blowing in from the mostly liberal writers, conservative columnist David Brooks has another take on last night's Obama/Clinton debate…
"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."
I have to admit that Brooks definitely has a point.
A bunch of stupid shit will almost certainly be one of the main issues in the upcoming election.
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FINALLY. I am sick of hearing how perfect he is and how Hill is evil incarnate.
It's funny that Obama calls Hillary a "whiner" when she complains about the debates but as soon as he finds something he doesn't like then he is sooooo put upon. The questions were valid because, as has been pointed out time and time again, they are not that different on the issues. Therefore the only things that distinguish them are their personas/past/etc. She has been MURDERED with her past and yet it is inappropriate to ask him about his? All I hear is how his past doesn't matter and we should only be talking about the issues. Why should he get a free pass and not her?
AND, totally agree with previous poster that he will have to deal with this in a general election. He should get a grip, stop WHINING, and deal with what has happened. It won't be going away.
yeah. and when Clinton gets questions on Bosnia, Lewinski, Whitewater the press is unfair, sexist, out to get her, right?
I thought the questions were good in that Obama needs to learn to deal with this. He cannot stay above it. If he makes it to the general election, it will come to him and he needs to learn how to pull it off. So far he has not learned, and that will be his undoing.
If one wants to compare policy go read the proposals. Hillary did bring up some good ideas. Obama did not. He couldn't even explain his tax plans or his foreign policy ideas.
WE CARE about these things? No we don't care. This is just all the media asks about…they feed us this drivel then say that's what we want. It's not what we want it's what we're being force fed.
When I turn on the news I don't want Desperate Housewives style reporting, I want news…facts.
Here's an idea for the media Act as If the American people are smart…
If only issues-oriented journalists were handling this debate. all abc did was go down the list of every "controversy" that silly season has brought with it. Disgusting.
Expose Michael Dukakis? Damn it Brooks, stop implying that GHW Bush pantsed Michael Dukakis at flag factories. Seeing Snoopy riding in the tank was bad enough.
yes, people don't care about healthcare, college tuition, losing their jobs, going to iraq or afganistan, they don't care about getting fired, their jobs going over seas, boarder control, or even rebuiling our positive standing in the world.
We REALLY care about who's a secret muslim and who loves America more. WE REALY care about how many Flag Pens you wear, because if we can see the color of your suit, you don't have enough pens on!!
For shame, Mr. Brooks! Do you forget that you are a member of the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, sir? Mark Shields deserves a much better political commentary partner than the likes of you! You have besmirched the honor of PBS! Besmirched, I say!