Ask the typical Republican policymaker for an opinion on President Obama's rescue of the American auto industry, and you'll get an earful about an "outrageous abuse" and the scourge of "bailouts." It doesn't matter that Obama's policy worked better than expected -- what matters is that the successful policy runs counter to the GOP's ideology.
But Republican opposition isn't universal. Republicans in Michigan, for example, tend to admit that the president made the right call and generally applaud the policy that helped hundreds of thousands of families in the Midwest.
Occasionally, though, we'll find a conservative politician who just doesn't want to take a side (via Dave Weigel).
In this clip, a reporter in Dayton asks U.S. Senate hopeful Josh Mandel (R) of Ohio whether he would have supported Obama's rescue policy. "I will do everything I can as a United States Senator to protect auto jobs," he replied.
Asked if he's willing to answer the question, the Republican said, "We've talked quite a bit throughout the state of Ohio about all the great plans we have for protecting auto jobs here." Pressed for a direct answer, Mandel responds, "Great seeing you."
If the Senate candidate denounces Obama's policy, Mandel condemns a rescue effort that help save Ohio's economy at a time of severe crisis. If he endorses Obama's policy, Mandel sides with the president he hates and is desperate to undermine.
So he's left to clumsily dodge the question in a way that makes him appear rather foolish.
How long can Mandel seriously expect to keep this up? Quite a while, actually -- the Republican has come this far without ever giving an opinion on Obama's successful rescue policy.
If Mandel and his wealthy friends weren't outspending Sen. Sherrod Brown (D) by such an enormous margin, it's hard to imagine how this race would even be competitive.
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This year we find out whether money really can buy an American election. The candidates like Romney and Mandel are so shamefully undeserving of the offices they seek that it will be painfully obvious that money is the only reason if the worst happens and they actually win.
Money, and the power of human stupidity. The phrase "never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers" has never been more applicable.
Just a reminder, The Supreme Court is probably the best reason to vote.
Give that reporter a pulitzer and put that interview on national news about what's left of journalism.
Well not really .
Why won't you give me a straight answer .
Listen you little dweeb, I didn't come here to listen to your talking points that have been programmed by the local chapter of the RNC and Fox news . Answer the damn question!
Where are the Edward R's and the Mike Wallaces (early 60 minutes)
They should be sentenced to watch a typical British interviewer . Kudos to Peirce Morgan and the empty chair.
Shameless hussy! This is why the right is so anti-woman.
Just be a person, kid. I want to see the reporter's face. Seeing the face to face imagery may have added to the impact of the blatant refusal to give a clear answer.
I direct you to Charlie Pierce. http://www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/mitt-romney-energy-plan-11944351. He COULD have titled it REPUBLICAN platforms explained...
Does his Mom know that he is out doing interviews? (Since he looks to be about 15yrs old) Ya, that's who I am going to put my trust in. My family always thinks that when he airs his commmercials with his stepford wife. .Going to post this to my facebook page so all my fellow Daytonians/Suburbians can see what a tool he really is. Oh just a note that GM plant was left contaminated so a lot of neighbors are having to have their homes checked. I believe Obama granted 25 million for clean-up. Also, the the only contract the city of Moraine had been considering was the one to GUT the plant and leave it standing empty. They citizens fought it, and demanded it be used.. I should send some pics to you guys of it. It is empty, overgrown, and sad.. Just the way everyone's GM plant would look right now without the bailout..Thanks, but NO THANKS Mandel. NOW get back to class before they realize your gone :)...
You will be lucky if they don't turn it into a casino.
Already a concern Terriels..
Lots of other questions to be answered with blathers: What is your stand on; birth control, minimum wage, dept. of education, unions, when would be the best time to start the war in Iran, 10 comandments in schools, S.S. vouchers,,,. Well obviously such a reporter wouldn't get any interviews with any repukeagans but the dems should like the extra exposure especially next to the glareing abscence...
And that is one of the biggest problems
Those are some pretty tough questions Mr. Reporter .
Don't ever expect to be called on again or invited to one of our BBQ's
They are the chattering class , they all know each other ,they all fraternize.
And the major talking heads. They are all multi millionaires so we know what side they are on .
Objectivity and seriousness is for chumps.
Well I live in the Town that this reporter was reporting from, and the GM plant closed here. So Junior. was telling her all the great things he would do with the plant like manufacturing of automobile products, which would have been completely impossible if he had his chance to vote on the bailout as his vote would have Obviously been NO...The auto industry was one of the Major Employers in the Dayton area. That's why she asked him about it...
Apart from all the dodging - the thing that strikes me is the oft-used GOP tactic of saying that if elected, they intend to do exactly what their Democratic opponent has already introduced legislation to do, and have often already implemented - Mandel wants to refurbish those factories and put people to work - fine - the American Jobs Act already accomodates that, and his party voted against it. And he will vote against it, too, once in Congress, because he'll have no choice but to vote as his party leadership instructs.
The art of politics/diplomacy is mastery of using a lot of words while saying nothing.
Using the same method as some teachers do, when dealing
with liars, bullies, clowns, etc (those youngsters who make the present GOP) journalists
who encounter candidates for the Child’s Treasury of Politicians Refusing to
Answer Very Simple Questions should ask a final question as such: “Repeating your
same answer will legally mean for the records that your are keeping your
registered position on abortion, or rape, or etc.” We used to have children
really confused and consequently telling what’s sounded more like the truth
than what they were trying to hide. That will work equally with scoundrel
politicians.