Primary politics
September 9th, 2007 at 7:52 pm . by nuke
I first heard of Congressman Tom Tancredo when he made a remark about using nuclear weapons against Mecca. I thought, at the time that it was an ill-considered thing to do. And, even after looking at the context of his remarks, which came in response to a reporter’s question, it didn’t seem to me to reflect the temperament of a serious Presidential candidate.
His less than inspiring performances in the last two Republican debates have done nothing to change my initial impression. And now, in an act of apparent desperation that violates a long-standing Republican tradition, Ronald Reagan’s “11th commandment,” the Tancredo campaign has decided that the only thing left for them to do is to go negative and trash the Republican field.
Tancredo’s single-issue candidacy has helped to focus primary voter’s attention on one of the more contentious policy issues of the campaign: immigration reform. Unfortunately, Tancredo offers only platitudes and harsh rhetoric instead of workable solutions. And, in a sneering attack that is more characteristic of the Daily Kos rather than Republican primary politics, Team Tancredo has unleashed its latest barrage which narrowly defines the immigration issue as being either in agreement with Tancredo’s position, or being in favor of amnesty.
Enough, already.
Tancredo and Ron Paul, both, represent important constituencies within the Republican Party. By promoting their issue advocacies in the primary process, all Republicans are allowed an opportunity to examine issues of importance and consequence, while vetting the candidates in a gruelling process of straw votes, caucuses, primaries, and debates. Along the way, minor candidates are winnowed, the field gets smaller, and more substantive debate takes place.
Last week, for example, Mike Huckabee formally accepted Fred Thompson’s offer to participate in a “Lincoln-Douglas” style debate. I think it’s a wonderful idea. It is one that has been promoted by former Speaker Newt Gingrich, who rightfully says that our country is facing serious issues that require serious and substantive debate. And, that cannot be achieved in a 45-second, sound-bite debate format. Hopefully the Thompson campaign will agree, and the competition in this arena of ideas may continue to progress.
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Well, I gotta admit, the info he provides on his opponents is telling.
While immigration is in the top three of issues, it has to be weighed and measured against the others, with national security being number one. I think he raises a good point, though, and that is we should be looking closer at those he accuses of having amnesia, and finding where they are, and letting them know where we stand.
As for substantive debate on serious matters, I agree, which is why I don’t watch the shinola they have been televising.
ah sorry I’m still on the fence and so disallusioned~!…
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