Posted by noa on October 6, 2000, at 12:19:05
In reply to Re: wake up...Oh, you, Doubting Thomas, posted by Nibor on October 6, 2000, at 11:39:29
One thing I like about this election---there is a real choice between two teams who come from two very different places philosophically, and really have substantive differences on issues. It is something people can really bite into and chew on, rather than focusing so much on image. Although I know image is and always will be a major component (let's not be naive, here), both teams have managed to present themselves with respectable enough images to pass, given the cynicism of our times, and have had to address issues because they seem fairly even in terms of the image contest. So the contest now focuses on the issues, and there are real differences there, so people can really go out and vote on behalf of what they believe is the better (notice I did not say "best") approach for the next 4 to 8 years (or more, if you count the Supreme Court implications).
So now, they each have to figure out how to best communicate the substance of their policy ideas.
But I think it is refreshing to hear about issues again, and to see at least some examples of candidates debating issues without disparaging their rivals as human beings. I am refering more to the vice presidential candidates, of course, since the presidential candidates still did some pretty lame jabbing at each other, whether through lame jokes, or goofy body language. I hope they will cut this out in the next two debates, and take a lesson from their subordinates.
At the very least, perhaps the VP debate provides some glimmer of optimism that the next round of elections will offer choices between candidates who can demonstrate more mature demeanor and confidently communicate their positions to the people without engaging in the more primitive antics we have had to endure for so long now.
poster:noa
thread:858
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20000813/msgs/862.html