Earlier
this week, we discussed Kairos in class. I wanted to make a
note of Kairos from last week’s Republican GOP debate in Florida.
Throughout the debate, the Republican GOP hopefuls were talking about the
issues that Americans were facing today. CNN had the main coverage of the
debate and were giving a question and answer type poll for all registered
Republicans in the audience of the debate. At one point in time, Republican GOP
candidate, Newt Gingrich decided on questioning Romney about his finances
and what he paid in taxes the past year.
The crowd seemed very displeased
with Gingrich and felt that really it was not the right time to be discussing
what the finances were of one of the candidates and really they were right.
Even though, he made accusations of Romney as to whether he made enough in taxes prior to the debate. During the debate, he refused to talk about explaining his accusations to his opponent because he was afraid of facing him there next to him instead of in an interview. I am neither in support of Mitt Romney nor his beliefs towards current
issues, but how is talking about someone’s personal finances relevant
to what the candidates were debating about. How is that relevant to
answering the questions of registered Republicans in the audience? Or to the
current issues that many Americans face? While many may feel that tax
reforms should be made for those with higher incomes, I feel it was not
relevant to answering the questions of Republicans in the audience. I felt it was wrong for the interviewer to interrogate him like that, even though he is wrong.
I agree that there should be tax reform
laws, but I do not think it was the right point in time bring up
someone's finances or the little they paid in taxes the past year.
Ultimately, I felt he paid for his accusations in the end, because people were chanting,
“Romney! Romney!!” once the debate was over. These chants for his
opponent were reiterated on Tuesday when Republicans voted. Mitt Romney
ultimately won the Florida Primary and Newt Gingrich came in second. I
guess the moral of the story is to think before you speak.
After reading the blog and watching the short clip along with it, it is obvious that though the interviewer was wrong to ask about the tax return in the first place it was funny how Gingrich's earlier accusations came back and bit him. The look on Gingrich's face was one of confusion because he didn't know how to back up the fact that he had talked shit on Romney during an interview. This entire dilemma definitely portrayed kairos very well.
ReplyDeletePersonal issues are poisoning the race for the Republican nomination right now. This election increasingly has the look and feel of 2004, when the Democrats fought it out for the nomination for months while President George W. Bush continued to raise money, ultimately ensuring his re-election.
ReplyDeleteI think the reason Governor Romney's personal wealth is considered relevant in today's debate is because it is an example of how the current tax code is systematically unfair. However, I think Gov. Romney can turn this issue in his favor by discussing lowering the tax rate, but increasing revenues by eliminating loopholes for special interests.
Hard to disagree with you on Newt's strategy. He has to know that any personal attacks on Romney are going to be reciprocated. Newt not having been the most pious man in the past(thrice married, taking money for advising Fannie Mae while it was about to go bankrupt) is an easy target for the Romney campaign to systematically destroy.
Politics are dirty. Always has been, always will be. Everyone, especially potential presidential candidates, are self-interested and will do whatever they can to win. Even though slightly irrelevant to the discussion they were having, I do not blame Gingrich for questioning Romney about his taxes. Gingrich is simply trying to make himself out to be the better candidate by showing how "untruthful" his opponent is.
ReplyDeleteI totallly agree with Marta. Politics are dirty. I know that sometimes, a candidate will know that interviews are their week spot; so they will do anything to put the attention off of their insecurities and direct them towards somone's "not so popular" policies. Politicians are perfect for knowing the right time and place for doing things; and even though morally this was not the right time for that discussion, it was HIS right time to address it.
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