The Roar
And here I thought we were supposed to select the best Republican alternative for a showdown with Obama in November, 2012. First, it seems that the political world, coupled with the mighty news networks, have taken a page out of the sport’s play-off system as republican “debates” have now become an endless, boring, and unproductive bit of chatter.
“Debates” may also center upon a single issue, such as the economy or the immigration travesty. In addition, the moderators often attempt to instigate, through their style of questioning, a feisty yelling match, which we just all so recently experienced between Perry and Romney. Eventually, the notion begins to form that bickering and accusations are not the grist for choosing a Presidential candidate.
What is usually given a pass, by both the manner of questioning and the ensuing mudslinging, is the disastrous record that Obama has amassed. More often than not, these forums are conducted by members of the press who are uniformly pro-Obama. As a rule, the queries are directed to one candidate’s opinion verses another leaving Obama no where in sight or thought.
As mentioned, these are the months leading up to our selection of a presidential candidate. The obvious shifting away from scrutinizing the present administration’s policies verses what each candidate has to offer for a solution is both disingenuous and misleading. And all the candidates, with the possible exception of Newt Gingrich, are only too eager to degrade or attack their fellow Republicans.
The future voter in 2012 should be repelled by such antics. During the debate intervals, whoever is deemed the most recent winner or leader in the polls becomes the subject for ridicule and even personal attacks by our nation’s media. It’s a sort of political version of the old time “king of the mountain” game. Whoever holds the high ground become the target for throwing down the hill. It was fun when young but it has no relevance within discussions leading to possible leadership
We all agree that this coming election will not only be crucial but already is quite different in that the consensus is, whoever wins the Republican nomination will probably win the White House. This is reason why so many entered and still remain. But, how admirable are these candidates when they eagerly respond to such back ally tactics?
Moments of leadership and coolness under fire have briefly flashed yet this instinctive quality remains generally under wraps. What has been presented is a mantra of me, me, and more me. This display is part and parcel of what is ailing our general society.
Above all, these self preservative attitudes and styles are missing the point. The calling of a President should first answer our Country’s call and that is to tend to the betterment of our Nation. Lord knows this is now of crucial importance. First and always come our United States. This is paramount to the White House, to all lesser held offices and all the way down the the soldier in the foxhole. And it’s that soldier, mired in mud, that is often the most loyal to his sworn oath of duty. Could it be that our search and selection process for leadership is in the wrong arena?
Jim Bowman
Author of
This Roar of Ours
I watched the debate with about 40 members of our local patriot group and your assessment would accurately describe our disgust at this unseemly exhibition. Since he was the only adult in the room, Newt Gingrich far an away bested the other candidates in our “Who Won the Debate” poll. Perry came in dead last with a single vote.
The 2012 election is the GOP’s to lose. If their circular firing squad tactic continues, they will certainly snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.