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From the desk of David Suzuki

David Suzuki

The fear factor: thinking on your feet

By David Suzuki - 22 months ago

I watched the first U.S. presidential debate with great interest. I try to imagine being in Barack Obama or John McCain’s shoes as they answer the questions. I’d be scared shitless, shaking like a leaf with my heart pounding as if I’d just run a hundred-yard dash. Yet there they were, appearing as calm as could be.


Now you know they’ve been cramming like mad for days, if not weeks, in anticipation of the big event, just as our party leaders in Canada have in getting ready for our televised debate. Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin’s front people admit she has withdrawn from the race so she can prep for the big event on the same night as our leadership debate. From what I saw during her interview with Katie Couric, she needs it.


The questions, my gawd, the questions – about the $700-billion bail-out of failing banks, sub-prime mortgages, Iraq, Afghanistan, Russian attacks on Georgia, and on and on. I kept thinking my answers would be, “I don’t know” or “Gimme a chance to consult with experts.” Is this really a good way to determine whether someone is fit to make big decisions about our country: how quickly and authoritatively they can respond to very profound questions? I don’t think so. In any case, I sure hope they are all wearing diapers because I sure would have pissed my pants.

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4 Comments

 
Post #1
Jim Courtney Jim Courtney - 22 months ago

Does make one want to piss there pants just thinking about it! Things really seem pretty hopeless these days....

 
Post #2
Steve Williams Steve Williams - 22 months ago

Hi David,

I'm in Australia and although I care little about American Politics I am watching with interest the environmental aspects of your election. You may want to have a look at what Michael Moore is running with at the moment. I'm sad to say I think yet again the environment will take a back seat to Foreign Policy and Economy. Maybe when the rich have there ankles in seawater more people there will listen to those banging the drums.

Tim Flannery is making some good noises over here and with Peter Garrett as our environment minister we might just be doing more than selling coal but paving a path to cleaner forms of energy use for industry and the domestic market.

Warm regards,

Steve.

 
Post #3
Susan Grunner Susan Grunner - 22 months ago

You raise a very good point. Is this the correct way to determine who would be a better leader for a nation?

I think not. Car salesmen and con artists would be the best at this. Coming up with a believable story on the spot; using your mind to manipulate the average persons thinking. There’s no real leadership required.
Alas, I can’t think of a better solution.

 
Post #4
Jodie Bowmaster Jodie Bowmaster - 22 months ago

Ahh yes, I agree with Susan - a good politician is one who can begin to answer the question at hand and then switch the subject within 2.5 seconds to something they want to discuss, and finally throw the snappy party slogan in at the end.  It is a real talent, and unfortunately the public falls for it every time.

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