I once asked a national political pollster why the Sunday morning commentators let their interviewees NOT answer questions. He said it’s because they would never get top people if they didn’t let them discuss their own agendas.
It might go like this. ”Madam Secretary, how would China devaluing their currency affect the US?”
“Well, as you know, it doesn’t matter if the Chinese do that or not if we can’t get the situation in Iraq under control. You know, at this very moment there could be merchant ships right off our East Coast with crop dusters loaded with anthrax ready to spray the dense population centers with a very toxic chemical. We need to do what we have to in order to protect our citizens. The price of freedom is eternal vigilance and no one wants peace more than President Bush.”
“We can all understand that, Madame, but what is President Bush’s attitude toward the allegations the Japanese are dumping steel into the American market, wiping out our ability to domestically produce high-quality steel at competitive prices?”
“You may be assured President Bush is aware the Japanese are staunch allies in the War on Terrorism and have contributed to the pressure placed upon Iraq. Now war is always a last resort, but when you realize Saddam has had years to work on chemical weapons, biological weapons and Weapons of Mass Destruction, and realize that the American people are at high risk, you realize that sometimes war must be initiated by those who love peace sooner than they might like. This Administration is committed to peace and protecting the American people from vile third-world countries on the other side of the world.”
That’s the way it can get around here. Ask a simple question and get some irrelevant response from the TP TP, Tea Party Talking Points. Over and over and over, the simplest questions go unanswered in favor of some Party approved propaganda.
I just want to point out that there is a tradition and training program for this. Simply watch any interview with a Tea Party representative. It must be an excommunicable offense to answer any question which is asked. Or read them on these pages, where that proud technique is practiced and perfected.
“Which of those Conservative candidates for President are you most proud of?”
“Obama is the worst thing for this country since “Made in China” stickers, his affect on the morale of our troops is terrible, he’s had years to create jobs, he hasn’t paid down the debt.”
And so on and on and on.