The enthusiasm surrounding the historic choices for the Democratic nominee is fading quickly. I love following politics and even I am sick and tired of following the developments of the Democratic primary campaign. A few comments on where we are.
It is not unsurprising the way Clinton is campaigning and I don't have a huge problem with her tactics as after all, this is politics. If she believes her current campaign strategy is the best way to secure the nomination then so be it. It is up to voters and news media to filter out the BS and not get hysterical over ever little comment.
Obama's campaign seems to play the victim too much and has made some minor gaffes that have been turned into the semblance of major gaffes by the media and the Clinton and McCain campaigns.
My big problem is the complete absence of sensible discussion about true issues since the time leading up to Texas and Ohio. I do not include NAFTA as sensible discussion. The issue of trade is credible but the far left liberal talking points both Democratic candidates parodied are not credible. Trade in general is the problem and China most specifically. The trade deficit with Mexico was $74 billion in 2007 with ~40% coming from oil and gas compared to a trade deficit with China of $250 billion with almost nothing coming from oil and gas. Overly dramatizing the negative aspects of NAFTA diverts us from intelligently discussing the bigger structural problems we face. The 6 week gap bewteen OH and PA was the perfect time to delve into the specifics of each candidates platform and ask tough questions. Instead, the media parodied the drivel coming from both campaigns.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
End of Euphoria
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Trade in America is a structural problem. NAFTA is a farce as well as our other "free trade agreements". Free trade is a self evident system and should not held back by quotas, deals, tariffs or other schemes. Free trade agreements needn't be more than a paragraph long.
I agree with your sentiment about the media and their portrayal of candidates as well as selective reporting. Under the current setup, we have a very few media conglomerates reporting on what best fits their interests and increases their viewership. This is NOT in line with the best interests of voters.
Once the baby boomers die and the internet replaces cable TV as the primary source of information, the whole game will change.
-ERA
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