« Encyclopedia News | Main | I Believed »

October 10, 2004

Political Thinking and Parties

Watching the town hall debate on Friday was something like my watching a Mets game. Every so often I found myself screaming at the TV. It was usually something along the lines of “you’re not answering the question!”

Deb patiently explained on more than one occasion that the rebuttal portion of the debate was not necessarily intended to rebut the just-made comments of the previous speaker but time to say anything you damn well please.

All of which reminded me of my favorite part in Peter David’s wonderful Knight Life -- the debate between mayoral candidates including King Arthur. The two men go on and on about anything they feel like and when it’s Arthur’s turn he finally yells, “They didn’t answer the bloody question.”

During the more formal debates, that seems to be expected and condoned. Here, though, hearing thoughtful questions from the “common man” both candidates should have answered the questions head on. Sure, they did that a few times but far too frequently they wandered off course.

I’m glad they touched on the environment and Supreme Court issues, two that should scare the beejeezus out of the electorate. Far too often, the discussion is kept to the economy, Medicare and Iraq. In fact, I wish one of the questions involved whether or not either man knew what it cost the average family of four to buy groceries today compared with January 2001. The deer-in-the-headlights look on both of them would have been priceless.

And in case you missed it elsewhere, yes, President Bush is an investor in a timber company so Kerry’ accusation was spot on and Bush was caught, once again not knowing the facts (and this time about his own finances).

Speaking of Peter, we were at his daughter Ariel’s Bat Mitzvah yesterday and it was a relaxed, enjoyable experience. I appreciated the Rabbi’s thoughtful words, placing the prayers and readings into context. Ariel acquitted herself well and looked really nice in a blue dress. It was also the first time we actually were allowed to throw candy at the Bat Mitzvah girl (tradition holds you do this to wish them sweetness in their new adult life). Robbie was amazed.

And we were amazed by Robbie. He danced up a storm, knowing steps and showing a sense of rhythm his father seriously lacks. And boy, can he limbo! Also being impressive was Ariel’s pal and our frequent Shore Leave co-conspirator Danicah. Unlike the more formal receptions, the music was peppered with tunes I’m more used to hearing at Shore Leave’s Ten Forward dances. It was nice seeing people from all around Peter’s life, such as eldest daughter Shaina (whom I haven’t seen in an age) and his sister Beth; DelRey’s Steve Saffel, artist Robin Riggs and his bemused wife Elayne, and of course webmaster Glenn and his too-cool wife Brandy. Clearly, a fine time was had by all.

Posted by Bob Greenberger at October 10, 2004 01:20 PM

Trackback Pings

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.malibulist.com/mt/mt-tb.cgi/2026

Comments


You are right about the Supreme Court and the environment. I'm glad it was brought up in the debate as well. The idea of a President Kerry getting his hands into either is too frightening to contemplate. The Supreme Court alone is reason enough for everyone to vote Republican. I'd hate to think of the urine that will be spilled on the Constitution if Kerry gets to pick the justices.



On the whole timber thing, this is apparently a time where Bush has the facts straight better than you do. Kerry didn't claim that Bush was an "investor". He said he "owned" the timber company. According to factcheck.org, Kerry was wrong. Bush was part owner of Lone Star Trust, which is actually described on his 2001 income-tax returns as an "oil and gas production" business. He did indeed receive $84 from them. However, two years later, LST acquired half interest in the timber company.

So, Bush is not and never has been the owner of a timber company.

Posted by: Tim in Michigan at October 10, 2004 01:59 PM

I was not bemused, I was intimidated. Even in a sombrero you intimidate me, Bob. :)

Posted by: Elayne Riggs at October 10, 2004 02:51 PM

Which timber company is Bush II linked to?

Remembering the takeover of MacMillan-Bloedel by Weyerhauser as well as the ongoing US-Canada softwood lumber dispute a little too well at the moment...

Yours,

Dwight

Posted by: Dwight Williams at October 10, 2004 05:22 PM

I love that whole debate in Knight Life! I have a copy of the first paperback edition, and Peter did a really good job of capturing what politics in New York City was like at the time.

Posted by: Michael A. Burstein [TypeKey Profile Page] at October 10, 2004 09:09 PM

I actually got to do that once. Back at UNC-CH, there was a debate followed by audience Q&A between Betty Friedan and Phyllis Schafly (sp?). As it happened, I knew the person in charge of the audience mike, and they let me hold onto it long enough to say, after Phyllis didn't answer my question, "You didn't answer the question. I wish you'd answer someone's question (I was around #3 that she'd dodged)...". Then gave a brief rebuttal to what she'd actually said.

While it'll never make it past the candidates' advisors, I'd love for the next such "town hall" debate to include the moderator asking each questioner "Do you feel the candidates answered your question?" and the questioner stating yes or no for each one. Then moderator's discretion on the "didn't"s whether to give 'em a final 30 seconds each to try to actually do it.

Posted by: Tom Galloway at October 10, 2004 11:19 PM

Common problem with politicians, although I've noticed a few who make the effort to actually give a clear answer. Those specimens need protection whenever we find'em, is all I can say.

Yours,

Dwight

Posted by: Dwight Williams at October 10, 2004 11:30 PM

Bob -

I also was yelling at the tv screen and wondering when they'd actually answer people's questions. It wasn't a town hall meeting, it was a 90 minute sound byte platform for both of them. Politicians.... yeesh.

I'm actually quite disappointed in Charlie for not making them answer better. I see him around the building a lot and I'm tempted to give him a piece of my mind.

As always, a pleasure to see you, Deb and Robbie. I'm compiling a list of adjectives that have been used to describe me and hoarding them for the day I need to remind Glenn just how vivacious and too-cool I am. :-)

Back atcha...
Brandy

Posted by: Brandy [TypeKey Profile Page] at October 11, 2004 09:51 AM