Leave your dirty images in the mud, take your issues to the polls
Labor Day weekend signified the traditional start of the political season, when most people began to pay attention to the campaigns leading up to the November ballot. As that all-important Tuesday approaches, however, the presidential campaigns are increasingly focusing on personal images and are leaving the issues behind. This year’s campaign began with a strong focus on the important issues facing our country: the war in Iraq, the War on Terrorism and the economy. Beginning with the Democratic National Convention, however, this year’s presidential campaign has devolved into a battle that is less about the issues and more about the candidates’ images-just in time for Americans to pay attention.
The process started when John Kerry used his party’s national convention to sell himself as a Vietnam War hero. Focusing on his combat experiences, Kerry asked America to vote for him because of leadership he displayed 30 years ago. Are Kerry’s three purple hearts for courage in his youth to be the reasons we vote for him today? Are those medals all he has to offer us today?
By crafting his public image around his Vietnam experiences, Kerry volunteered himself for the sort of scrutiny conducted by the infamous Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. For three weeks, their advertisements dominated political news, tarnishing the medals Kerry worked so hard to publicly polish. Clearly, the focus of these ads was Kerry’s image, rather than the important issues that challenge our nation. Is this the only reason we shouldn’t vote for Kerry: what he didn’t do 30 years ago?
Similarly, the Republican National Convention was George W. Bush’s opportunity to customize his public image. Like Kerry, the key event in Bush’s public image lies in the past: September 11, 2001. Seamlessly, he links that day’s attacks to the operations in Afghanistan and the war in Iraq to create an image of strength and stability-a man who will punish the ‘evil-doers’ and defeat the Democratic pansies. This week, Bush and Cheney have intensified their criticism of their challenger by linking the threat of more terrorist attacks to Kerry’s election. Have no fear! If Bush is president, the smart bombs will leave no terrorist behind.
Why has this year’s campaign degenerated into a contest of images? Is the oversimplification of candidates and issues at the expense of legitimate public debate what Americans want or need? Americans are certainly smart enough to intelligently debate the complex issues facing the nation today. This political season-instead of relying on misshapen images and cruel character attacks-let’s have no issue left behind.
Brandon Holcomb
Graduate Assistant
The Colonnade
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Sep 10 2004. Filed under Opinion.
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