Debatable GOP Debate Tactics

The GOP presidential candidates are upset at the media bias. What's new about that? Nothing. Republicans are always upset at reporter's questions unless they are asked by the conservative media. Not just any conservative media. The questions have to be asked by right wing conservative reporters.

So what's new? The Republicans are threatening to boycott the debate on NBC because they didn’t like the questions on the CNBC debate.

Too tough? I have to believe that those of us who are close watchers of the media and political scene and were journalists and/or editors, like I was, before entering the PR business, might think that the majority of questions asked in debates this year and the past were softballs. Especially missing was the most important follow-up questions.

The main reason the GOP candidates are upset about questions is because for years they have been spoiled by journalists when the candidates appear on the non-debate political programs.

On those programs guests are handled with kid gloves. Regardless of the questions, the guests segue to their prepared talking points and the questioners don’t cut them off. After all, if you play real reporter asking tough questions the guests might refuse to make repeat appearances.

Anyone who watches TV political programs is familiar with the lack of questions that need specific answers. Perhaps because when a host asks a question about tax matters they are being asked by a reporter not versed in the subject?

A better Sunday morning political show would be to do away with the current design. Instead, each Sunday's program would be devoted to a specific topic, taxes, foreign policy, social matters, etc. The program would be hosted by a reporter with expertise in the area. Maybe then viewers would learn something, but not necessarily because candidates are adept at circumventing questions and resort to their talking points.

I watched the CNBC debate. As were most debates not a difficult question was asked. It was as if the GOP game plan was to attack the questioners for having liberal bias. And they succeeded in doing so. Their strategy played well to those people who already feel there is an anti-Republican bias and will vote in the primary but see nothing wrong when the conservative media attacks the Democrats as being socialists.

Years ago, the Democrats lost the "liberal" battle to Republicans by not defending the word and resorted to call themselves progressives. Now, they have lost the "liberal main stream media" battle by not fighting back and attacking the "far right conservative media."

Odds are that the Republicans will not deny themselves the opportunity of appearing on national television. After all, politicians running for president from both parties are egotists. Why else would they feel "only I” have the answers?

The true losers are not the unsuccessful candidates from both parties but viewers who think they can learn anything by watching political programs.

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Arthur Solomon, a former journalist and senior vice president/senior counselor at Burson-Marsteller, is a frequent contributor to public relations and sports business publications, consults on public relations projects and is on the Seoul Peace Prize nominating committee. He can be reached at [email protected].