This presidential campaign has been very entertaining.
The three leading Republican candidates could give The Three Stooges a run for their money. Front-runner Donald Trump calls his opponents liars and chokers (or “chockers”) as often as Moe used to smash Curly and Larry in the face.
Slapstick has made a comeback.
Indeed, food fights attract a large TV audience, obviously giving many viewers what they want. And they no doubt produce windfall advertising profits for the television networks that host the debates.
This may be as close to creating economic growth as these politicians will ever come.
No surprise that the media is giddy at the mud-slinging, but why do the candidates go along? Nastiness apparently works.
At least in attracting media attention.
Mr. Trump has dominated the news cycles for months, cycling outrageous statements and cutting remarks, rinse and repeat. As Sen. Marco Rubio explained to those questioning his recent resort to dishing out invective, “I’m insulting Trump because it’s the only thing you [media] guys pay attention to.”
Even the debate rules actively encourage pugilism. By giving candidates additional time to speak when verbally assaulted by name, the ground rules are in place.
No wonder the mostly ignored Dr. Ben Carson interjected during the last debate, “Can somebody attack me, please?”
Neophyte Carson doesn’t understand that the game is tit-for-tat: to be attacked, attack first.
Sure, the critical issues facing our country — terrorism, war, debt, economic stagnation — get short shrift. But what a fun way to choose the next stooge to sit atop the dysfunction.
This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.
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