[Peace-discuss] Limits of allowable debate

[C. G. Estabrook]

The excellent Denis Perrin (<http://dennisperrin.blogspot.com/> - note esp. the 
video "I Approve This Message"), author of "Savage Mules: The Democrats and 
Endless War," on the prospects for tonight's debate.  --CGE]

I keep reading from various liberals how the American people are "outraged" by 
McCain's recent tactics, that they're "too smart" to be fooled by such 
transparent gimmicks. Yeah. If only. Fact is, I seriously doubt that the 
majority of American adults really cares about these "debates," which really 
aren't debates, but extensions of campaign propaganda, wrapped inside a very 
tightly sealed format of permissible expression. The idea that we'll get a 
better sense of where these guys stand after they exchange talking points and 
postures is absurd. It's all about style -- who looks better at the podium, and 
appears smoother. That's it. The rest of it is a blank slate for bloggers and 
journos to project whatever they need onto it.

Dennis