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Audiences should be able to participate
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Audiences should be able to participate
Jan. 28, 2012
By Ramsey Fowler
I have enjoyed following the GOP race. Being that I will be able to vote, it’s the first time I have actively been glued to the television for debates, news polls and daily campaign activity.
I’ve seen the media focus on the unpleasant past of many candidates; however, I’ve also see some quite wonderful things from fellow Americans.
Last week’s CNN debate hosted by John King caused an uproar when King’s first question was directed at Newt Gingrich. King asked Gingrich if he would like to respond to his ex wife’s claim that he wanted an open marriage. “No – but I will,” Gingrich said. “I think the destructive, vicious, negative nature of much of the news media makes it harder to govern this country, harder to attract decent people to run for public office. And I am appalled that you would begin a presidential debate on a topic like that.” There was tremendous applause and a standing ovation.
ABC chose to air the controversial interview with Gingrich’s ex-wife two days before the debate and four days before the South Carolina primary. Gingrich has denied the “open marriage” allegation, but has admitted to and apologized repeatedly for committing adultery. Gingrich says that he has found religion in the Catholic Church and has asked for God’s forgiveness.
It was apparent that the media missed their target when the South Carolina Evangelicals and “married women” forgave Gingrich. He won the primary, carrying 40 percent of the vote. Sorry, ABC and CNN, your divisive tactics fell short.
NBC held a debate last Monday in Tampa. Brian Williams attempted to mediate the event, but it was a tremendous waste of everyone’s time since his line of questioning included traveling to Mars and sugar cane.
The media is now attempting to control the audience by creating a no clapping, no cheering and no booing “rule.” That’s like asking Chief’s fans to sit on their hands with their mouths shut during the game. With astronomical debt and an extremely high unemployment rate, the United States is in desperate need of new ideas, change and hope. This is no time to ask the American people to be seen not heard. We may not have jobs, but we still have our first amendment rights.
I believe this silent “big brother” audience rule has two media objectives. The audience in the recent ABC and CNN debates reacted with such enthusiasm and passion against the liberal media’s ridiculous line of questioning and in support of the GOP candidates. By eliminating the power of the audience, perhaps the media can better conceal the enthusiasm the republicans are spreading state by state along their campaign trails. When the Republican nominee debates Obama, he will have positive momentum and fresh ideas in his corner, leaving Obama with only a teleprompter and failed policies. The media does not want Middle America to hear negative reactions from the audience while Obama attempts to defend his record.
I don’t support infidelity, but I do support the bigger picture. I respect the fact that Gingrich has admitted his mistakes, made changes and has asked for forgiveness. Who are we to judge?
We are all human, which means we are flawed. There is no perfect person, hence no perfect candidate.
Remember, Jesus said, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”
Ramsey Fowler is a senior at Lee’s Summit West High School. Write to him at government@lstribune.net
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