The Moderate Voice - Latest Comments in Why Candidates Refuse to Discuss Real Issues

Re: Why Candidates Refuse to Discuss Real Issues

CStanley — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:00:38 -0000

Yep, I was agreeing with you on that. Generally I tend to apply the same standard to all, and to some extent they should all be open to that same criticism- but his membership on their board and then not filling it out sends a message that he thinks it's a good idea as long as it's not politically inconvenient for him. Personally I'd think he'd gain more by just doing it- and then scoring points by showing that the others weren't willing to do so. As I mentioned, his answers to the '04 questionnaire are right there anyway, so it's not like he'd be forced to be more specific on issues than he already has revealed with past answers.

Re: Why Candidates Refuse to Discuss Real Issues

rudi — Mon, 19 May 2008 16:08:27 -0000

CS - I really do like McCain, but he's been on the groups board as a replacement for Barry Goldwater. While all three candidates ignored the questionnaire, McCain's being a board member sets a higher standard for him in comparison to the Demonocrats. I'm bothered by Obama's ignoring of PVS.

Re: Why Candidates Refuse to Discuss Real Issues

CStanley — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:55:56 -0000

Rudi, I guess I can see holding him to a higher standard in that regard, but in fairness I'd assume he didn't want to unilaterally commit to filling out the presidential questionnaire when his opponents didn't do so. At least we have McCain's responses to the '04 version for his last Senate race- and I don't think either of the Dems responded to that.

Re: Why Candidates Refuse to Discuss Real Issues

rudi — Mon, 19 May 2008 12:44:40 -0000

So much for the "Straight Talk Express":
McCain Gets the Boot From Project Vote Smart

Project Vote Smart, the nonpartisan voter-education nonprofit, confirms today that it has kicked John McCain off its board. Mother Jones reported on Monday that PVS was prepared to make the move due to McCain's nine-month refusal to fill out its Political Courage Test. According to PVS President Richard Kimball, the nonprofit has a rule that bars nonrespondents from serving on its board.

Re: Why Candidates Refuse to Discuss Real Issues

CStanley — Mon, 19 May 2008 12:36:23 -0000

Why would candidates discuss real issues in any more depth and clarity than they need to? One only has to look at political blogs to see that even those who consider themselves well informed are spending much, much more time talking about the horserace aspect of the campaign than they are to actual discussions of issues. Why not start asking specific questions in the blog posts- let supporters of each candidate explain where they think their candidate stands on the issues? It would be interested to see if people even understand the positions that they think they're supporting.

Re: Why Candidates Refuse to Discuss Real Issues

runasim — Sun, 18 May 2008 23:07:14 -0000

Ouch!!!

Re: Why Candidates Refuse to Discuss Real Issues

Tully — Sun, 18 May 2008 18:53:39 -0000

Excellent points on RealPolitik, the Game as She is Really Played.