Drop the shovel, skip the photo op

I f I were running the presidential campaign of either Barack Obama or John McCain , my first decree would be this: no more photo ops at disaster sites.

[ann]

Have had similar thoughts about these photo ops for a long time. These volunteers and residents working to save their towns/cities should push these puffed up politicos to the side so they continue their work. Why doesn't the politician enjoin the media to pitch in and lend a hand and maybe they could actually accomplish and produce something on the trip other than photos? The wardrobe thing is another issue. They walk around in duds from pricey outdoor stores while the locals are sporting anything they can rescue from the rubble. What a crock! You would think in this era of persona sophistication someone would point this out to them or better yet they would have the inherent goodsense to just know it.

[Brittanicus]

Both Senator Obama, McCain and all the politicians who pander to the pro-illegal immigration lobby, should be aware of the dire consequences involved in this issue. Utah voters ousted Rep. Chris Cannon in Tuesday’s GOP primary, expressing their discontent with the six-term congressman on illegal immigration. Cannon alienated anti-illegal alien advocates over the past few years with his Viewpoints concerning this simmering issue.It was his opinion that illegal aliens should be granted government benefits, that illegal immigrant children should receive in-state college tuition and that millions of lawbreakers could be assigned to a guest worker program.

Jason Chaffetz, a challenger whose central issue was enforcement on illegal immigrants deportation, took down this incumbent. Whereas Chaffetz, proposed the removal of illegal immigrants out of the United States, and also stated he supports removing automatic citizenship for children born to illegal immigrants in the country, that was fostered in intentional error by a liberal court. That American citizens are angry and frustrated with our pathetic elected officials is of no doubt? State House Namely Speaker Pelosi, the Governors, Mayors and the timid retinue of community supervisors who pander to the illegal alien special interest lobby, should be aware of this imminent warning. NUMBERSUSA.

[Groundskeeper]

Kevin, you hit the nail on the head on this. I feel like EVERYONE has this reaction, and that this is a woefully outdated PR relic from a less sophisticated time, and yet we continue to be subjected to this charade. How is it in the age of Youtube and blogs mocking politicians that these clowns continue to think this is a good idea?

[Blame The Republicans]

BARACK OBAMA LEADS BY 12 POINTS ACCORDING TO AN LA TIMES / BLOOMBERG POLL.

Barack Obama has managed to pile up a double digit lead over John McCain, according to an LA Times/ Bloomberg Poll. Respondents split 49% to 37% for Obama in a head-to-head match.

Obama's 12 point lead only grows when pollsters throw independent candidate Ralph Nader and Libertarian Bob Bar into the mix. On a four man ballot voter's support grows for Obama, 48% to 33%, giving him a 15 point spread over McCain.

[Apartment Dweller]

Mr. Cowherd, this is one of your best columns so far. Very sharp observation.

[Esther]

I beg to differ.

I think it was appropriate for the candidates to observe the disaster first hand - especially Senator Obama in his state of Illinois. The time and attention taken away from the actual work will surely be compensated by the broader understanding of the matter by other citizens.

I also commend Obama for the expediency of his trip. President Bush may have been more helpful in the wake of Hurricane Katrina if he had seen the devastation firsthand right away.

Since when is critiquing a Presidential candidate's wardrobe beneficial to political debate?

[Sick em]

Obama went to his home state that elected him to represent them. He filled sandbags for several hours to help his constituents try to PREVENT devasation.

He expanded part of his website into an information/action center. Folks could find out where to go to help or where and what to donate for those already flooded.

None of THAT is a purely useless photo op done after it is too late.

He can't do anything right now without someone taking pictures. But, it was pretty impressive that he quickly converted to a useful web action center. He sets a good example by walking the walk.

[Cyn]

Politics. I have never been so bored by politics. Here we are in a weak economy and they are spending fortunes on campaigns. I would LOVE to see a new campaign regulations that limits the primary to 6 weeks and the general to 2 weeks. Better yet, let's skip the primaries and go straight to a general election, 12 candidates, may the best woman (or man) win! One vote per person, winner take all. What a financial saving. We could save Medicare and Social Security. We could feed the hungry, or God help us treat the mentally ill.

[Mick]

[Osama did not fill sand bags for several hours. Just another media lie about him to make him look good. All his presence did was slow the bagging down so he could have his photo op.

[ann]

Cyn wrote:

Politics. I have never been so bored by politics. Here we are in a weak economy and they are spending fortunes on campaigns. I would LOVE to see a new campaign regulations that limits the primary to 6 weeks and the general to 2 weeks. Better yet, let's skip the primaries and go straight to a general election, 12 candidates, may the best woman (or man) win! One vote per person, winner take all. What a financial saving. We could save Medicare and Social Security. We could feed the hungry, or God help us treat the mentally ill.

Every so often, a voice of reason. There is hope.