Lack of Straight Answers: The Source

Last night, there was yet another so-called debate of presidential contenders.  This one by the Democrats.

These staged television events are so common these days and contrived that I wonder whether they might replace all those mindless reality TV shows. When I have watched these “debates,” what I see is a consistent lack of straight answers from the candidates, and they spend much of their time reacting to each other. Consequently, there is little differentiation among candidates. No one shines out. The public sees a gaggle of politicians yet … no authentic leader. I have an idea about why that is — their advisors.

A couple of hours before last night’s latest debate-TV-dance-with-the-candidates, long-time Democratic candidate advisor Joe Trippi appeared on MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris Matthews. Trippi is one of those political advisors who generally represents candidates like Howard Dean, and today works for John Edwards.

Matthews asked Trippi the same question four (4) times in what became a questioning marathon by Matthews designed solely to try to get a straight answer from Trippi. Clearly, it was beyond Trippi’s ability to utter a straight answer. Finally, Matthews laughed in frustration, gave up and got Trippi off the air.

And, then … we wonder what’s wrong with politics? I think the consultants are restricting any chance for an authentic leader to emerge, regardless of political party. And, an authentic leader is what this nation needs today.