Little has been learned by the voters from the debates. Oftentimes, questions are unanswered or sidestepped by regurgitation of campaign rhetoric with no follow-up. So, it is no wonder that when a candidate gives an answer that could have major ramifications, it slips by even the trained ear of the moderator, in this instance, Tom Brokaw when he asked about possible changes in policies regarding health, energy and entitlement reform given the present financial crisis:
- Brokaw: We’ve run out of time. We have this one-minute discussion period going on here.There are new economic realities out there that everyone in this hall and across this country understands that there are going to have to be some choices made. Health policies, energy policies, and entitlement reform, what are going to be your priorities in what order? Which of those will be your highest priority your first year in office and which will follow in sequence?Sen. McCain?
- McCain: The three priorities were health…
- Brokaw: The three — health care, energy, and entitlement reform: Social Security and Medicare. In what order would you put them in terms of priorities?
- McCain: I think you can work on all three at once, Tom. I think it’s very important that reform our entitlement programs. My friends, we are not going to be able to provide the same benefit for present-day workers that we are going — that present-day retirees have today.
Aha! Finally an inkling of an answer to Brokaw’s initial question as to which programs would have or would not have priority in a McCain Administation. Senator Obama has stated that he would not alter his proposed programs even in light of the current financial crisis. Still maintaining that any new programs would be funded with savings brought about by the end of the Iraq war and the redeployment of forces from Iraq to Afghanistan, and closing loopholes, higher taxes paid by the wealthy, and uncovering fiscal irresponsibility in the present system. However, Senator McCain has indicated by his answer a real change affecting the American landscape of the future. Ringing familiar to McCain’s remarks about certain manufacturing jobs not ever returning, his answer here suggests possible cuts in programs such as Medicare and Social Security. But what are they? Brokaw missed a great opportunity to finally pinpoint a candidate’s stand on entitlement programs, unfortunately, this was a missed opportunity for all voters and one that could have provided definitive information on what the candidate proposes to do if elected.
But As For Me…
I say ‘Listen Up America!’ Don’t let the political rhetoric lull you to sleep. Demand answers to the questions, pin down where the candidates stand and what we can expect from their administration. It is my hope that the media starts paying closer attention and begins asking the important follow-up questions and not let the candidates, rocking back and forth on their heels, get away by deflecting an uncomfortable, but insightful question with the usual campaign diatribe! If the candidate doesn’t answer the question, tell them that, then rephrase it and ask it again! Come on, you news guys and gals, do your job!
