Fanfare, appearances push issues aside
Last week’s CNN Republican debate in Las Vegas definitely had all of the drama, flashiness and performance expected of a show on the Vegas strip.
The only problem? The debate might have been a success in the ratings, but at what point have political debates become less about policies and more about parading around like Vegas showgirls?
This is not a jab at the Republican party specifically, but more of an observation of the nature of politics as we progress towards Republican national convention.
We expect our presidential candidates to be well-informed and able to cite historical events to substantiate their claims while participating in intelligent debates with witty remarks.
However, the sense of showmanship and pomp sometimes suffocates the purpose of the debate in the first place and turns well-rounded arguments into a display of theatrics and one-upping.
Televised debates are, no doubt, the best way to test candidates on their voting records and beliefs. We want a leader who looks good in front of the camera, is quick on their feet and can provide us with clever clips for the evening news. The televised debate brings up an important point in politics: aesthetics matter.
The future president is no longer only someone who represents what the American people want, but rather who they want to watch. The spray tans, whitened teeth, hair, makeup and wardrobe all contribute to our judgment of stage presence.
This emphasis on appearance is misplaced. How important is it that our president have a photogenic smile or understand which way to angle their body in front of the camera in order to look thinner?
It’s fundamentally important that a politician be comfortable in front of an audience and a camera but eventually vanity changes the focus of the election. Is this really going to matter in the end when the president is making decisions on foreign policy and economics?
In the months to come, one or two clear leaders will emerge who have proven they are up to the challenge of running against Obama. The debates are likely to become more intense and more heated than the ones before and criticisms and accusations will fly.
The boxing gloves will comes off and the self-touting nature of politics will surface. This isn’t to say that the Republican candidates are purposefully putting preening over policy, it’s just to say that the nature of political television is turning into a beauty pageant rather than a serious debate.
It’s a dilemma that has no clear answer. Unfortunately, politics requires a fair amount of boasting. However, this can be combated if candidates remember to keep a level head and not let their narcissism overshadow what they stand for.
The eventual GOP candidate, whomever he or she may be, will have been chosen because the American people want real results instead of empty promises. During the next debate, candidates should focus less on their personal pageantry and arrogance and more on the political issues.
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