The VP Debate Shows How Performance Shapes Our Democracy
Politics

The VP Debate Shows How Performance Shapes Our Democracy

Politics tamfitronics What are Vice Presidential debates for? In the frenzy of deciding what to think after a debate that basic question often gets lost. Debates generate a distinct news cycle as mainstream media plan for, cover, and finally discuss and fact-check the event. Researchers are divided in how to interpret these cycles. One side says: this is all pseudo-events, generated for the media, by the media. Manufactured sites, imagined to be authentic. The other side argues, no, these debates are media events that bring societies together in a common viewing experience, offering a chance to discuss core values and particular policies, ultimately generating social cohesion.The J.D. Vance-Tim Walz VP debate was both. A maddening amount of punditry combined with moments when we had chances to consider what topics, delivered by whom, should define who...
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Pelosi: Iran Is Stronger Because of the ‘Failed Policy of Donald Trump’
Politics

Pelosi: Iran Is Stronger Because of the ‘Failed Policy of Donald Trump’

Politics tamfitronics Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) claimed Wednesday on CNN’s “Inside Politics” that Iran is in a stronger position “nuclear wise” because of the “failed policy of Donald Trump.”Pelosi said, “We want to avoid a bigger war. As you know, full well, that masterfully President Obama had a plan to reduce the capacity of the Iranians to produce a nuclear weapon. The next president in line, he came in and eliminate it that unfortunately, because now Iran is on a path again for enriching uranium or fully taking it closer to having the capacity for a weapon.”She continued, “I don’t know how close they are to that and if i did, I wouldn’t say. So again, we want to avoid a bigger war. We do know that Hezbollah and Hamas are proxies...
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ANALYSIS: Mr Slick versus Mr Earnest Nice Guy? Civilised US VP debate stuck to policy ideas, but won’t move dial for voters
Politics

ANALYSIS: Mr Slick versus Mr Earnest Nice Guy? Civilised US VP debate stuck to policy ideas, but won’t move dial for voters

Politics tamfitronics Well, okay, it was not a blow-out, especially since initial polling indicates a basic 50-50 split among registered voters about who bested whom. Concurrently, it will not be a debate that will go down in history the way the John Kennedy-Richard Nixon, the Jimmy Carter-Gerald Ford, or the Ronald Reagan-Walter Mondale, let alone the 1858 Abraham Lincoln-Stephen Douglas, debates have been recognised.There were no decisive “gotcha” lines; no shut-the-door on an opponent, rapier-like one-liners sealing the deal. Instead, this debate was, taken as a whole, a civilised, even respectful conversation over actual policies, plans and hopes between two coherent candidates. Again, drawing upon initial polling, both candidates somewhat improved their reputations with voters on things like their suitability to step in as president, if necessary. Similarly, the likability quotient for both candidates...
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Jimmy Carter at 100: A Life in Pictures
Politics

Jimmy Carter at 100: A Life in Pictures

Politics tamfitronics Today, Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. president, former Georgia governor, peanut farmer, and a man of deep faith and commitment to humanitarian work, became the first president to live to 100 years of age.Born in the small town of Plains, Georgia, on October 1, 1924, Carter's life has been defined by service—to his country, to his faith, and to causes around the world.A son of a farmer and a nurse, Carter grew up with three siblings—two sisters and a brother.His White House biography says that "peanut farming, talk of politics, and devotion to the Baptist faith were mainstays of his upbringing."After graduating from high school, Carter entered the U.S. Naval Academy in 1943.Upon his graduation in 1946, he married his lifelong partner, Rosalynn Smith, who he was married to for 77 years until...
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