The ominous countenance and rich, somewhat preacher-esque vernacular of my Statistics professor emblazoned his introductory statement in my brain, “You can make the numbers say anything you want.”
Others say, “The numbers don’t lie.”
What is obvious about last night’s VP debate is the voters really don’t give a damn about the numbers. They really aren’t interested in the data. But most shockingly, they don’t really seem to care about the truth. It’s as if they have conveniently compartmentalize the truth, so they can think about it another day, at another time, for a reason which is yet to be identified even by themselves. One can argue both parties have their numbers, both have their data, and both have their truth. Well, that’s just peachy. A good sound-bite, if you will, so now what?
Voters are dismayed by the partisanship, the bickering, the fighting: they complain about the candidates not having a plan or not being specific enough; they go on and on about being tired of the negative ads and in the end, they want an affirmative campaign and someone who can bring people together to get things done. Really? Seriously? If that’s the case, then of the two candidates who has run the more affirmative campaign and who has best demonstrated the skill of bringing people together to get things done? Make a decision already!
Oh, maybe that’s not really the deciding factor in choosing the next President. Maybe it’s the debt or the deficit? Perhaps the economy? Jobs? Healthcare, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security? Ohhhh, that’s right, there are still two more presidential debates…two more chances for our nation to nit-pick style and demeanor, who cares about substance and those damn numbers.
Election day is rapidly approaching and true to human nature, instead of being introspective we voters are disdainful and look to elected officials to fix everything and everyone. Yet, we pontificate how they break promises, say anything to get elected, are self-serving, hypocritical, and yes, even stupid. On one hand we want someone who is an ‘average Joe’, able to relate, a straight shooter (insert story of blue collar parent here). On the other hand we want them polished, cultured, and educated (Ivy League, even better). Add a dash of charisma, a pinch of good looks, and shake vigorously. Voila! A perfect candidate. Oops, forgot to stir in platform positions and plan of action…that’s ok, those are optional ingredients, along with credibility, integrity, and candor.
What of the voter? Imagine if you were subject to the same scrutiny you dish out? If apathy hasn’t claimed you, then ignorance is happy to oblige, and heading up the rear is the ever useless Switzerland stance- internally, you know where you stand, but externally, you just can’t seem to find your spine. If you can get past those excuses then the final test to pass is knowing why you believe what you believe. There is no perfect candidate, but the perfect voter translates his belief to a vote which reflects his credibility, integrity, and candor.
You still want to talk about the VP debate? Sigh…what did you think about Vice-president Biden’s joker-like smile and how do you think the voters were influenced…
By: Cynthia Shaffer
Cultural and Political blogger
Well, you got liberal media saying biden over did the laughing and smiling. Just remember, people who laugh and smile uncontrollably are either stupid or nervous. Unfortunately for biden its both.
Cynthia,
Best article yet! Lets start looking inside, instead of looking at the world at the end of our pointing fingers!
Tawni
I won’t go so far as to say Biden’s seemingly uncontrollable laughs/smiles means he’s stupid or nervous, but I will say for a seasoned politician, and man, for that matter, he underestimated Ryan’s skill and ability to get under Biden’s skin. It was junior high all over, except we’re talking about a 69 year old man. He was the bully and Ryan was that one guy willing to stare down the bully.
Because Biden’s 69, Ryan was wise to show deference. Biden, on the other hand, chose differently. Because Ryan’s 42, Biden was adamant to show arrogance. He was that curmudgeonly old man who sits at a desk in the office murmuring and cussing to himself about the good old days. He’s the one who everyone dreads to approach because he’s in a permanently bad mood having to work with all these younguns. THAT is a sad legacy to leave. With today’s media coverage those clips of his obnoxious smiles and laughs WILL NEVER GO AWAY.
I do think it’s a second miracle the liberal media would acknowledge VP Biden’s mistake. The first, of course, was their admission of President Obama’s lackluster debate performance; however, they still failed to give props to Gov. Romney.
I think Biden’s first mistake was agreeing to a sit-down debate…it’s less formal, more conversational; hence, he put himself in a position to be too relaxed. He would have done better behind a lectern, standing. Being on his feet would have ‘reminded’ him he was in front of the world and not just Ryan and the moderator.
His second mistake is not being able to keep his pride in check. He’s been in politics for so long…he knows his strengths and his weaknesses. Why he won’t recognize how one’s strength can be a weakness if not properly harnessed is a show of pride- and he paid for it. He’s a powerful speaker, but he is careless with his speech. This debate was inconsequential, except it will join the other memorable debates, to be played and replayed each election season (Reagan/Carter, George W./Gore, etc.). Who wants to be remembered laughing when such topics as terrorism and healthcare are being discussed?
Why, thank you, Tawni! That personal responsibility thing is such a drag, huh? :o)
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