An Appeal to Peter Robinson
In the comments to my last post, a theme emerged. Many, if not all, of us find the format used in the Republican debates thus far inadequate. We would like to see the candidates – especially, the serious contenders – put through their paces in interviews in which they have an opportunity to articulate their answers in more than sound-bites.
Who, I ask, is better equipped to do interviews of this sort than our own Peter Robinson? What venue is better suited to the flow of reason than Uncommon Knowledge? Consider Peter’s interview with Paul Ryan. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Herman Cain were subjected to the same process? And Mitt Romney? And Rick Perry? Maybe, then, maybe we would get a feel for each of these men.
And here is something else that is good. We can watch the webcast at a time of our own choosing, and we can watch it more than once. Sometimes, the second time through, one notices something very important that one did not catch at first.
I have more than once been under the gun with Peter (we did a taping last week). He does his homework. He probes – and he forces the individual being interviewed to think on his feet. I would like to see Romney, Perry, and Cain forced to think on their feet.
So, Peter, the ball is in your court!
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Comments:
Jun '10
Re: An Appeal to Peter Robinson
Great idea!
Jul '10
Re: An Appeal to Peter Robinson
I think We'll All be in agreement with Yer proposal.
Jul '11
Re: An Appeal to Peter Robinson
This is a great idea on several levels - not least of which is that it effectively fires the MSM from distorting the vetting process of those on the Right. We really must do something along these lines to develop more meaningful insights concerning these candidates.
Dec '10
Re: An Appeal to Peter Robinson
If they won't talk to Peter, there's always the lawyerly drill-down of Hugh Hewitt. Maybe that's how we get the candidates to agree -- good cop, bad cop. "You can either work with the handsome nice guy pictured above or... you can talk with the lawyer. What's it gonna be?"
Oct '10
Re: An Appeal to Peter Robinson
Couldn't agree more. And I do find myself watching UK at least twice per episode and then listening to the podcast again later.
Even if it didn't work out for all the candidates, could you imagine a ticket roundtable? The presidential and VP candidate sit down and discuss their vision for administration. Plus, the conversation could potentially hit on more substantive topics that fall outside the purview of televised debates (foreign policy).
May '10
Re: An Appeal to Peter Robinson
This is why I hangout at Ricochet: it's full of original thinkers! I bet Peter wouldn't ask a single "gotcha" question. They are so stupid and bring.
Sep '11
Re: An Appeal to Peter Robinson
Amen. We learn more about the thinking and character of various public figures from 30-40 minutes with Peter than we do from months of Sunday talk shows, debates and campaign stops. Prof. Rahe's mention of the current UK interview with Rep. Paul Ryan is a perfect illustration. Ryan reminded us why we longed for him to run for President: he combines the encyclopedic knowledge of the federal budget, especially entitlements, with the sincerity, conviction and conscience we expect from good clergy (much less politicians).
I won't beg...wait a minute, I think I will. Please.....
May '11
Re: An Appeal to Peter Robinson
That would be fantastic, but I doubt the candidates would all agree, their advisers and strategists/consultants would veto it.
Mar '11
Re: An Appeal to Peter Robinson
Good idea, and I think the candidates will go for it.
I liked the new feature on Brett Baier's program, where a candidate is surrounded by pundits, and has more time to respond and discuss in greater depth. Mrs Bachmann did pretty well, I thought, and I was about ready to forgive her vaccine gaffe.
Mar '11
Re: An Appeal to Peter Robinson
Dr. Rahe: I completely agree that something like this is in order and Peter would be among the best options to conduct the interviews.
But I also think Stu in Tokyo has raised a point which, while true, is disturbing and disheartening. It sort of reminds me of the objection that was raised against Paul Ryan that, because he had been specific in his plan, he was utterly unelectable.
If a person is unelectable because they are clear-headed, presents their ideas in an open forum, and is willing to be challenged and debate their ideas (acknowledging that no plan is perfect but debating relative advantages and disadvantages under the umbrella of the virtues of a free society), then we really are pretty far gone in our democracy. Have we really come to the point that it is impossible for a person of substance to be elected on the national level in the United States? Have we really become that frivolously stupid a nation?
If so, perhaps that explains why the race of 2012 is shaping up to be the Candidate of Hopey Changiness against the Candidate of Flip and Flop and Centrism. We, the people, get what we deserve.
May '10
Re: An Appeal to Peter Robinson
Here, here! Great idea. Would be a real service to the nation.
Jun '10
Re: An Appeal to Peter Robinson
Peter Robinson, you have been issued a summons by Dr. Paul Rahe. It appears the Ricochet rank and file concurs. Get you to it, good man, get you to it.
Jan '11
Re: An Appeal to Peter Robinson
Please add me to those who would greatly appreciate such a series.
If such a series were harmful to their chances -- which I think is a real possibility as noted above -- then we're so doomed I fear it wouldn't matter.
Sep '11
Re: An Appeal to Peter Robinson
Meh, the people that care to be informed already read good blogs like this one and make informed decisions. Great idea but how many "regular" people will download a 30 minute podcast?
I think we are at the point where it is just bread and circuses, and people want to be entertained. How else do you explain Obama's appeal to reasonable people?
Dec '10
Re: An Appeal to Peter Robinson
Go for it Peter. You can not do worse. Try to raise the tone of the debate. Format does matter if it can be used to destroy content generally.
Jun '11
Re: An Appeal to Peter Robinson
Great idea.
The staging, lighting and color schemes of the recent debates have been comical, tacky and tasteless.
Many of the questions utterly lacked substance.
Not the best way to present our candidates.
Aug '10
Re: An Appeal to Peter Robinson
I knew you would find a solution to the quandry I posed, Paul! I trust Peter to help determine the candidates true positions and philosophy.
I really don't want to go through the next 12 months having these frustrating internecine squabbles about what the candidates believe and what they will do in office. The debates aren't helping to settle these questions so we need someone outside the MSM to do it.
May '10
Re: An Appeal to Peter Robinson
Peter does ask his own version of "gotcha" questions, but they're substantive "gotcha" questions asked in a civilized, non-confrontational way. For example, his question to Paul Ryan about the political viability of his health care proposal - why aren't major Republicans endorsing his plan? That's a serious, hard question. (Ryan knocked it out of the park, by the way. Why won't he run for President!?!?)
Dec '10
Re: An Appeal to Peter Robinson
BradnSA:...
I think we are at the point where it is just bread and circuses, and people want to be entertained. How else do you explain Obama's appeal to reasonable people? · Oct 7 at 8:25am
Whoever said they were reasonable?
Mar '11
Re: An Appeal to Peter Robinson
Great idea- and a good chance for me to ask Peter (who has a great laugh, BTW) if the powers-that-be could make Uncommon Knowledge available in podcast form over iTunes. I never have time to sit and watch a video interview, but I can listen to podcasts while I drive, work in the lawn or go to the gym. I bet a lot of people have similar time constraints.