The Wasted-Chance Debate Last Night

I'm not bitter, I'm livid.

I didn't bother watching the debate last night, because I knew what was coming. Each and every time we have our candidates in the same place at the same time, it's one big game of stupid. Flag pins? Tuzla? Who the hell cares? Distractions like this are what got us into Iraq in the first place -- a media unwilling to do the tough reporting or ask the tough questions, and instead getting caught up in the emotion of the moment.

Yesterday a major new report was released by Rand Corporation. It found, according to USA Today:

Roughly one in five U.S. troops is suffering from major depression or post-traumatic stress from serving in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and an equal number have suffered brain injuries, a new study estimates.

Only about half of them have sought treatment...

Rand described this, rightfully, as a major health crisis among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
Where was the question about that? You think that ABC could nix one question about pointless stupidity, and ask the candidates what they would do about this crisis. I know we veterans would have sure appreciated it.

The excuse from pundits stepping up to defend ABC is that, well, we've had 20 debates and we've gone over all the issues, and people don't want to hear it anymore.

Oh really? I don't remember any debate where we talked seriously about when it is proper and not proper to deploy our military. Are we going to continue preemption and nation building? Is there any situation where that might be called for? I haven't heard that question asked in a debate.

Have we talked about the GI Bill in the debates? What other benefits for veterans would they increase or decrease, and by what amounts?

How do they propose, with the budget crunch, to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs is fully-funded?

There are, literally, dozens of hours of debate that we have not had on troops' and veterans' issues alone, because no one wants to ask the questions. ABC had a chance to, last night, in what could be the final Democratic debate. They could have run the gamut of issues that haven't been talked about in any debate, but are critically important to Pennsylvania and the nation.

Instead, we're stuck with an hour on pointless games, and no answers. Thanks a lot.

Follow Jon Soltz on Twitter: www.twitter.com/jonsoltz

Comments

[Hullaballoo]

Okay, America! Are you SICK TO DEATH YET of these "know it all" screeching head TV pundits speaking for you? Are you sick of them telling you what you care about and what you don't care about? Are you tired of them telling you you're offended and outraged when you're not, or that you're happy and resilient as a clam when you're bitter as hell? Had enough of them cramming 30 seconds out of a lifetime from Rev. Wright down your throats as your family and friends get blown up half a world away? We see our planet dying, our infrastructure collapsing, our kids beating and killing eachother, our leaders choreographing illegal torture and illegal surveillance - and the well-paid in-touch geniuses on TV tell us we care about Britney Spears' shaved head and bowling scores and faux-patriotic trinkets! Had enough? Are you ready to work to CHANGE the system or are have they convinced you you're happy with the status quo?

Obama/Peace 08

[IrritatedVet]

Jon, I saw little of the debate, and know now that I am better off for not watching it in its entirety. Gibson and Stephanopolus (sp?) were just abysmal.
Was this debate run by ABC or People Magazine? TMZ? The Smoking Gun?
I work in media, and I am ashamed of that more than ever after the farce perpetrated on America last night.

[Siryn]

My vote is for TMZ. Most shameful of that group, I think.

[Bobzmcishl]

I love your posts about how things are going with returning vets. Thanks for continuing the fight for veterans rights. I was appalled by the article recently in the "Nations" magazine about how the Marine Corp has been so remiss in owning up to the issues in this post. As for the debate last night - I was dumbfounded by the first hour of questioning - it was another illustration of the dumbing down of America; the second hour was better but still we had to endure the really idiotic question about flag pins and what to do with George W. after he leaves office. Sending Bush to Mars would have been a good answer. I expected more from ABC News but I guess that is my problem. At least Obama got some training on the trash politics that the Republican's will throw at him in the general election. This will be one ugly campaign. We will be "Swiftboated" to death in the next six months.

[glitz]

Jon..You are right again!! What is the point of a debate with no serious questions? What ever happened to real reporters? Who cares about whether someone wears a pin or not...just like yellow ribbon decals, they mean abolutely nothing!! All Gibson did was raid the rag magazine!! By saying, "well they have had 20 already"..­than what was the point of this one? The candidates should be asked questions that directly affect the future of this country and its people...n­ot questions that just play to the gossip!!