"This is not sports"

[Stinky The Clown]

Jonathan Alter was on Olbermann, talking about the debate last night. Alter was in the audience covering the event, but with his 16 year old son and (I think he said) his nephew. When Steve Skvara asked his question and got a standing ovation in answer, Alter said he turned to the two boys and said "This is not sports. We often lose sight of the fact that politics is about policies that have real consequences for real people."

Of course Alter is right.

Why do we not hear that more often?

Why do we not see honest, in depth reporting that takes that sentiment to heart?

Why do we allow ourselves to be convinced that we should vote for a moron who was sufficiently likable to a bare majority of the people that they might choose to drink a beer with him?

You were right in that statement, Jonathan Alter. I will, however, give you no more credit than that. I've seen your work and the work of your colleagues.

It can stand improvement.

[ms liberty]

1. K&R - a very important point.n/t

[Stinky The Clown]

2. Yes it is ..... but alas ......

.... not 'hateful' enough for DU. :)

[nadinbrzezinski]

3. Most folks don't get it, becuase many voters in the base

see it as sports, it is my team versus yours...

And this applies to both Democrats AND Republicans.

Oh and recommended

[bryant69]

4. Well because the horse race is more entertaining

And people like to be entertained. And they are cynical about the process, as well, I suppose.

It's pretty easy to get caught up in I know.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[mopinko]

5. there was not a dry eye in the house

they really ought to have to play to that kind of crowd more often. they got grilled, but good. it was great.

[superkia]

6. Because the tv box tells us to.

[NRaleighLiberal]

7. The TV Box line is correct. Most don't see it as sports, exactly - but entertainment -

any time we are in a "war" of choice, with no expected sacrifice - nothing to pay - for most of us, anyway - I think that most of the Television - anesthetized masses just view it all...politics, war, death - in the same category as Britney and Idol and Lohan and .....simply entertainment.

[lumberjack_jeff]

8. K&R. Exactly right

There are few things that irritate me more than the horse race coverage given to politics.

It's just like a horse race, except the winner gets all the weapons.