Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Finally

I just watched a CNN web video clip from an interview with Chris Coons, the Delaware senatorial candidate who will run against Christine O'Donnell (posted September 21st).

Jessica Yellin, the CNN person leading the interview, for three minutes baited Mr. Coons, trying to get him to cast negative judgments on Ms. O'Donnell or her abilities to serve as senator.

Mr. Coons never took the bait.

With graceful effort that was visible on his face, he redirected every response so that instead of defaming his opponent, he stood in his own position and beliefs about the senatorial task and his fit for it. The closest he came to assessing his opponent was to say that the Delaware voters would decide who was more fit for the job.

It was a very poor showing for CNN, and an excellent showing for Mr. Coons. If all of our senators could gracefully refrain from pointing fingers at their colleagues (even when prompted by the media) and stand firmly in their own positions, we'd be better off. For that alone I'd vote for Mr. Coons.

But I'm not from Delaware.

~ emrys

1 comment:

Da Granddad said...

It is ironic that this postponement of responsibility has come at the hands of a congress that neither passed a budget for this fiscal year nor established permanent tax rates for 2011. It appears that the "Peter Pan" syndrome has gone viral throughout the culture. Why else would seniors be warned of the side effects of drugs to enhance and prolong adolescent drives? Those who teach their children responsibility give them a huge advantage in the world.