Okay, Now I'm Bitter
Read more reactions from Huffington Post bloggers to ABC's Pennsylvania Democratic debate
I sat down last night with a big fat glass of wine, all excited about watching the first Democratic debate in weeks, absolutely certain that I would get the chance to hear what Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama had to say about the latest headlines.
After all, it has been a quite a week for news.
In Iraq, we've seen a rebound in suicide bombings and gotten the disquieting information that Iraqi soldiers have been fleeing the battlefield in frightening numbers.
Americans learned that detailed discussions of torture techniques had been held in the White House -- our White House -- and President Bush revealed that he knew this and approved.
Foreclosure rates have spiked to frightening levels.
U.S. shoppers were told that food prices in this country are rising at a higher pace than at any time in the past 17 years.
The airline industry floundered through dreadful days of groundings, amidst safety concerns, economic ailments and passenger anger.
Oil prices are setting new records almost every day and $4 a gallon gas is coming soon to a service station near you.
The anguish over China's human rights record and its handling of Tibet turned the Olympic torch relay into a cross between Spain's Running of the Bulls and 3rd grade keep-away.
John McCain, acting like a mean old man trying to chase those pesky voters off his lawn, refused to endorse a new GI bill that would help those currently serving our country get a college education.
The Supreme Court issued a fractured opinion on the death penalty that for the first time in years raises the real possibility of a national debate on the value and morality of the ultimate punishment.
And we are in the middle of what is clearly the most important, most consequential election of my lifetime -- and I'm no spring chicken.
Instead, I sat in front of my TV open-mouthed, listening to a hodgepodge of juvenile questions about flag jewelry, the possibility of a "dream" ticket, elderly radicals, Charlie Gibson's personal tax concerns and ministers who emote too much. What, no time for a question about Cindy McCain's purloined pork chop recipe?
Excuse me, but why are we spending this much time on topics that amount to little more than political lint?
Regarding Obama's longtime pastor, since when does making a personal choice to remain close to someone who has let you down become a permanent liability? Hmm, Hillary?
As for Clinton's refusal to be a good girl and give up, since when did continuing to fight for your political life become some kind of profound character flaw? That is simply what politicians do.
And ABC -- God love you for breaking the torture debate in the White House story -- but why on earth didn't you ask the candidates about it -- or about much else that mattered?
What the heck has happened?
Just a few weeks ago, Democrats were all beaming with the belief that this election was really going to be different. Turnout was spectacular, the candidates were talking about issues that mattered and Americans were upbeat and believing in politics again.
Now it seems the unending Democratic campaign has descended into a nightmarish rolling rant about bitterness, beer, bowling and who is or isn't a bitch.
In fact, this whole thing has made me a little bitchy.
I want a rebate on the debate. I want to see someone ask a question of consequence. I want Pennsylvania to vote now. I want to turn on the TV and not see Pat Buchanan's head in a little box.
I want my life back.
This political junkie has just about had her fill of political junk food. I'll come back when there is something more substantial on the table. Until then, I guess I'll just cling to my guns, my religion and my long-ignored need to improve my bowling scores.
Because this whole presidential campaign thing has gone into the gutter.
Read more reactions from Huffington Post bloggers to ABC's Pennsylvania Democratic debate
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Spot on. What ever happened to the League of Women Voters?
What an embarassment for ABC, for those two coneheads asking questions about drivel, and for the media generally. Maybe those were relevant questions weeks ago, when Wright first surfaced, but now? They must think we're idiots.
Bless the audience for booing. Maybe in the future we can connect electronically with the debate site, and release a hearty chorus of razzberries by remote control. Or better yet, drop the moderators in a waiting dunk tank if they ask dumb gotcha questions.
Is it possible that we have already eliminated the truly experienced, capable, competent candidates who can win in Nov. and are left with two who do not have a clue? The Repugs must be LOL!
Yeah, I'm not much impressed with any of the three candidates. I rate their desirability: McCain 25%, Clinton 30%, Obama 45 %. I'd rate their probability of being elected President: McCain 50%, Clinton 30%, Obama, 20%
If that's the way this country votes, then I guess we get the government we deserve. It takes a lot of idiots to go this far wrong.
Amen and nicely put.
I'm a Pennsylvanian who can't wait until April 22 has come and gone because I'm bitter as hell!!!
And if you don't know that I'm bitter, you're in for a rude awakening and very damn soon.
I agree with your sentiment.
Obama actually proved he is a brilliant politician. The worst thing he could have done was to attack Clinton (your popular enough..) New Hampshire taught the campaign that Clinton needs to be a victim to be effective. Obama needs Clinton's supporters in November. While he looked like a punching bag, he had the intellect to refuse to be drawn into becoming arrogant, aggresive, or combative with a women! He is ahead, he does not need to take risks - long term - he wins by maintaining his composure.
I agree that the more Obama stay above the frey, he comes out the winner. The pundants want him to get down and dirty (scrap if you will) and then when he do respond tuff, they say see he's just like all the other politicians. (no win situation) I feel there is plenty of topics to discuss how they will handle once either one becomes the President that we need to hear about but because Hillary is fighting to get the nomination she keep giving the GOP a better oppotunity to win. There is no doubt that John McCain will not win in the fall because once the dem start to focus on how they have mess up this country, he will not be able to respond and talk to the american public to make them feel that he is the answer we are all looking for. I think he can only talk to Washington (he peeps) that would say ok he got it. Look at the fact that the GOP really did not want him anyway. I think we need to remember the 527's are the real coulprets and Obama need to respond to them like he is in the fight for his life and by the way mines too.
"Obama needs Clinton's supporters in November".
Insert ad hominem attack here. . .
This catches it wonderfully. Next to nothing on the real issues we face...all recycled Republican talking points that lead us into endless distractions.
Well, you made a big mistake – you should have had a big fat glass of whiskey and voila - “La vie en rose”!
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