Time Magazine online
http://swampland.time.com/2012/10/22/the-third-debate-perfect-symmetry/
Context:
Joe Klein's review of Mitt Romney and Barak Obama performances in the 3rd Presidential debate
And Romney lost in similar fashion: he seemed nervous, scattered, unconvincing — and he practiced unilateral disarmament, agreeing with Obama hither and yon … on Iraq (as opposed to two weeks ago), on Afghanistan (as opposed to interviews he’s given this fall), on Libya and Syria and Iran. He didn’t have a single creative or elegantly stated foreign policy thought and, indeed, seemed foolish at times, using the word peace about as often as George McGovern in 1972 (not that McGovern was foolish, but Romney has run so hot and aggressive on foreign policy that he seemed a sudden convert to transcendental meditation or Yoko Ono’s secret consort). Romney did have some strong moments — but they were, once again, on the domestic economy. And Obama didn’t have a single weak or unconvincing moment.
Assertion: Romney didn't have a single creative or elegantly stated foreign policy thought.
The two words that stand out are the buzz words creative and elegantly. My response is to ask for clarification of these two words. What is a creative foreign policy comment? Why is it superior. I would think that the POTUS would weigh the facts, study the history of the situation at hand, weigh the consequences for US intervention or lack of intervention, and committing to a national policy and line of action. Elegant statements sounds elitist and perhaps erudite rationalization for action.
Assertion: Romney sound foolish for using the word peace.
Again, I find this allegation troublesome. What does this mean? Is war somehow wise Is peace stupid? Why?
Assertion: Conflating Romney with George McGovern.
This sounds far fetched and insensitive. Romney has what characteristics in common with McGovern? McGovern died his week. Why has name been invoked in this context?
Assertion: Conflating with Yoko Ono.
This snarky remark has subtext. Is Klein deliberately attempting to make Romney sound eccentric. Is that his meaning when bringing up the pacifist political commentaries of Yoko Ono. The song "Imagine" by Yoko Ono's "consort" comes to mind. Romney is a Beatle-esq radical?
My thoughts:
Ordinarily I like Klein's thoughts and editorials. He has a strong grasp on American thoughts and politics. This particular set of commentaries seems out of character from my previous readings. I get that he has comparable political thoughts with President Obama, and I respect that. He may have misgivings with Romney's changing public statements on many American issues. This particular piece, however, does nothing to convince me of Romney's incompetence because he seems to be attacking Romney's pacificism or eccentricities.
