Let's "talk issues"

ACK (over at Volunteer Voters) is troubled that events like the Kerry comment distract from (or allow candidates to ignore) "issues." It reminded me of a "bit" that Glenn Beck used to feature on his program: Jim Dingle (warning: mute sound if you're at work), a talk radio host who had little patience with other talk radio hosts who were unwilling to "talk issues." Dingle didn't appreciate what the audience wanted.

I, too, am troubled at the attention received by such an event, but I think events like this can be valuable as springboards for discussing policy. Part of the challenge for a candidate is getting the attention of the voter, and an event like this at least draws attention to issues and gives campaigns and media outlets the opportunity to segue to "issues" such as, for example, whether the costs of war rest disproportionately on lower socio-economic classes.

Second, such an event--which usually involves a controversial subject and an unguarded moment, provides a glimpse behind the talking points. For example, I believe that Kerry really does disdain many service people--those who disagree with his view of how and when military action is appropriate. And I think it is almost impossible for Kerry to respect someone who disagrees with him. That being said, I believe that Kerry's gaffe is a glimpse into his mind and is useful for discerning his stance on important issues. There is no other way, absent a misstep, that you would learn that Kerry thinks only an idiot--to include active duty military-types and conservative voters, would support this President's mission in Iraq.

Sure, some will make mountains out of mole hills and demagogue honest mistakes, but on balance, irrelevant gaffes will soon fade away--absent fire-stoking by the media. Indeed, Kerry's difficulty in putting this incident behind him is directly related to the 3-year-long project of assailing the character and competence of Bush without displaying spite for those who happen to agree with the President.

And another thing! I think that Bob Corker's stance (which ACK characterizes as "all over the map") has consistently been "stay the course" inasmuch as that phrase means to persevere, not quit and finish the job. Inherent in that position is to adapt to challenges that arise, not really consider abandoning ship as an option and to, above all, support those who in good faith are trying to bring about success.