South Carolina and CBS News played host to the most recent Republican presidential candidate debate. The debate focused solely on foreign policy issues America is facing today, such as Iran’s nuclear facilities, foreign aid to other nations — especially Israel — and the practice of torture.
The debate was refreshing for a change because it focused on foreign policy and not the economy or job creation. However, one thing particularly stuck out.
In the 60 minutes of the debate that were televised, Rep. Ron Paul was asked only one question and one follow up-question, a grand total of 90 seconds, far less than the other candidates were granted by the moderators.
So I just have one question for CBS News: What in the world were you thinking?
Let me give you a couple of facts before we dive into this: Ron Paul was one of the only veterans on the stage; Ron Paul serves on the House Foreign Relations Committee; and Ron Paul is top three in fundraising and most polls.
The thing about Ron Paul is that he has contrasting views from most of the other potential candidates, like nonintervention, reduction of military presence around the world and the end of torture. All of which are things that Americans could rally behind.
These are all views that need to be discussed among the candidates, but this weekend they were ignored. Not only was it a disservice to Paul and his supporters, it was a disservice to the American people.
CBS News should be downright embarrassed. Throughout the campaign, Paul’s camp has cried foul over the insufficient amount of media coverage he has been received. After the Ames Straw Poll, that Paul only lost by a fraction of a percent, none of the main media sources were giving him any credit and refused to accept that he is a top-tier candidate.
Less than a month ago, grassroots supporters put on a money bomb for Paul entitled “Black This Out” to show the mainstream media that he was a force to be reckoned with. The money bomb made $2.7 million over one weekend. I bet you did not hear about that listening to Fox News or CBS News.
This race is far from over. There is still enough time for the American people to realize they are being manipulated by news agencies like CBS News who have turned a blind eye to a reputable, top running candidate.
Whether you support Congressman Ron Paul or not, the kind of ignorance we saw at Saturday’s debate is wrong and should not be tolerated.
