August 24, 2008

The Media's Side, and a Surplus of Senators

Justin Katz

There's something strikingly inappropriate about the Providence Journal's top-of-the-front-page headline for this story:

Biden adds foreign policy expertise to Obama ticket

It's arguably a factual statement, but it carries the strong subtext of: "Readers can stop worrying about those questions of Obama's inexperience on such matters."

Reading on, a separate area of concern arises (emphasis added):

Barack Obama introduced Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware on Saturday as "a leader ready to step in and be president," and the newly named running mate quickly converted his debut on the Democratic ticket into a slashing attack on Republican John McCain.

The GOP presidential contender will have to "figure out which of the seven kitchen tables to sit at" when considering his own economic future, said Biden, jabbing at the man he nevertheless called his personal friend.

This presidential race is far too seeped in the collegiality of the U.S. Senate. Whatever the outcome, our nation seems likely not to receive the full benefit of a healthy contention and interpersonal friction that comes from the leaders of our governmental branches being of different worlds.

Comments, although monitored, are not necessarily representative of the views Anchor Rising's contributors or approved by them. We reserve the right to delete or modify comments for any reason.

Charles, be calm. If you're going to provoke Justin, do it a little more creatively.
You don't even need to cuss or insult him directly to get on his bad side. Trust me.

Posted by: rhody at August 24, 2008 10:24 PM

That your press agent, Rhody? He sure is earning his fee this week.

Posted by: Monique at August 24, 2008 11:25 PM

Like I could afford one, Monique.
But I'd make damned sure he or she had a little more discretion with the post button.

Posted by: rhody at August 25, 2008 12:07 AM

Justin,

I honestly don't see where you're going with this. I'm not sure if we need interpersonal friction in this election nor lose out due to the collegiality of those that are running.

Obama might be hurt by Biden's former comments on McCain, stating the country would be better off with him as president. That's certainly a possibility and one the McCain camp has already started to push. But, what does the country lose by having collegial opponents or probably more to the point, what would the country gain by less collegial adversaries?

Posted by: donroach at August 25, 2008 4:44 AM
Post a comment









Remember personal info?

Important note: The text "http:" cannot appear anywhere in your comment.