Candidates flailing arms in the air, bent on talking, one over another Hapless moderators—too many, too weak to control the mayhem Another Democratic debate, Offering less light than heat Seemingly not laser-focused on the context: our closeness to the abyss. ... BUT… When an aroused people stands together Elevating our shared goal beyond our individual predilections,
Tag: debates
Can “Love Thy Enemy” Be a Winning Political Strategy–as Well as a Healing Balm for a Divided People?
We know that the US is riven by deep divisions—and that other countries are going through similar struggles. We also know that most people are unhappy with the anger and hostilities—and that anxiety levels about politics and world events are high. Against this backdrop, I found the final question in the fourth Democratic Presidential debate, held in Ohio on October 15, instructive. Moderator Anderson Cooper asked each of the 12 candidates (the largest group of debaters ever) this question: “Last week, Ellen Degeneres was criticized after she and former President George W. Bush were seen laughing together at a football game. Ellen defended their friendship, saying, we’re all different and I think that we’ve forgotten that that’s OK that we’re all different.” “So in that spirit, we’d like you to tell us about a friendship that you’ve had that would surprise us and what impact it’s had on you and your beliefs.”
The Democrats’ Debates Were Disappointing, and Yet…
My, my my: so much drama—even attacks on No Drama Obama! Let me state at the outset that I had never intended to become so overtly partisan in this blog. I even wrote a post a while back explaining why I wouldn’t discuss the elephant in the room (President Trump) because so much stuff was appearing elsewhere, and I wanted to focus on finding our common ground. My overarching goal remains, and in my own way, I’m still trying to do that. When the President is an incumbent, it’s assumed the election is a referendum on him. But now that this President has made blatantly racist attacks on people of color a feature of his daily rants, I believe the 2020 election is a referendum on us. Who are we as Americans? What kind of country do we look forward to, and how devoted are we to working toward a more perfect union?... I believe/hope...that we are seeking leadership that unites us in hope and common purpose, rather than divides us in hatred and fear. In that spirit, I offer you my thoughts after viewing the second round of debates—and I’ll explain why I found them sorely lacking.
23&WE: The Democrats Debate (With apologies to Chaucer for imperfectly borrowing his rhyme scheme)
Now listen, friends, as I unveil the chorus Of those I’m calling 23&WE We’re not discussing folks who came before us It’s those who say what this country should be And how they’ll make enough of us agree They’re poised to set out from the starting gate, And one of them may well decide our fate.
annieasksyou... 