The Observer, February 8, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 16
Political Connection: Rock the campaign, not just the vote: ask candidates hard questions
I am, like many Americans, at an impasse. For over a year now, Americans have been subjected to the messages of about a dozen viable presidential candidates, none of whom exhibit the characteristics I look for in a candidate. It is unfortunate when one can make fun of the candidates more than state their platforms. For this reason, I am on the fence.
The 2008 campaign for the presidency began months ago and I'm still waiting for the candidates to discuss the issues. I don't mean the big issues; we will hear enough of those in the coming months. I want to hear about the issues that no one wants to touch, the issues that reduce the most seasoned and outspoken politician to whispers and uncomfortable silences, the issues that make the presidency the most difficult job in the nation.
I want to hear about Pakistan. Our Muslim "ally" in the War on Terrorism recently announced that any U.S. troops who cross the Pakistani border into the country will be considered invaders and treated accordingly. Instead, all we hear about is how the War on Terrorism is progressing in Afghanistan, which is usually overlooked in favor of an update on the surge in Iraq. Apparently we're making progress, but Pakistan looks to me like a haven for terrorist groups to respawn, especially since the United States isn't allowed into the country. Has anyone checked the deserts of Pakistan for Osama bin Laden lately?
I want to hear about the Kurds. The Kurdish people are U.S. allies in our increasingly unpopular war in Iraq. In nearby Turkey, however, the Kurds launch frequent terrorist strikes against the government in their attempt to gain independence. I realize that any ally we can acquire in Iraq is of the utmost importance, but last I checked, America doesn't negotiate with terrorists, and the last time I read the NATO charter, an attack against one nation – whether it's an invasion from a sovereign nation or an attack via terrorism from within – is an attack against them all. In fact, NATO invoked its collective defense clause for 9/11 and NATO forces are currently stationed in Afghanistan. Why hasn't anyone denounced the Kurds for this blatant display of terrorism?
I want to hear about Israel. It's been 60 years, and the nation and its neighbors are still at war. The current president and his staff have put together a "Roadmap to Peace," but this roadmap hasn't been mentioned in years, and I cannot say for sure if it even exists anymore. Meanwhile, the fighting continues. In recent weeks both Egypt and Israel have closed their borders to Gaza, causing mass pandemonium and obstructing any opportunity for an amicable and productive Middle East. I'm imploring every candidate to speak about Israel. It cannot be ignored and any candidate who tries to ignore it is not ready for the responsibilities bestowed upon the President of the United States.
The three issues I just mentioned are but the tip of the iceberg and there is much to be uncovered before the election in November. However, in the last month, this is what I've learned about the candidates: Barack Obama is black. Both Clintons are vying for the White House and it's becoming increasingly unclear which one will actually be president. John Edwards was all but forgotten before he made the decision to end his campaign. McCain is too "independent" for conservatives, Romney is a flip-flopper, Huckabee is a preacher, Ron Paul is a Libertarian in Republican's clothing, and finding Rudy Giuliani on the campaign trail proved to be more difficult than finding Waldo.
We're told to believe that these men and woman are extremely qualified to lead the free world. But it's up to ordinary Americans to prove it. We need to absolutely grill these candidates. We have to put these men and woman through the most rigorous and insurmountable cross-examinations that they can endure. We need to make sure that if one of them drops out of the race, it's not because their campaign ran out of money; rather, it was because they couldn't handle the all-out assault on their platform from the public.
As the election approaches in November, America will continue to be fed "Rock the Vote" messages. But voting isn't enough. A vote cast irrationally or ignorantly is a wasted one. We need to rock the campaign first. Until we do, I will continue to be on the fence.
Josh Goldberg will be the official election columnist of The Observer for the rest of the semester. He is a third-year political science major.
