CNN had its chance to focus the debate Wednesday night on climate change, but blew it, as did some of the candidates, predictably.
I guess no one had been outdoors there the last few days or weeks, or had flown there sitting in a window seat, or read a newspaper or had their television sets on.
You tell me how CNN, its producers, debate moderator and two additional panelists didn't ask this question staring all the participants in the face at the GOP presidential debates in Simi Valley, California, part of the Greater Los Angeles area:
"We're right here in California - - which is having its worst drought in 500 years, and, along with other Western states, is beset by a record-setting wildfire season - - made worse by the drought - - which includes recent loss of life - -
- - so imagine that I am a homeowner whose property has been reduced to ashes, or I run a farm or business now under mandatory watering restrictions, and I have been told that trends show more drought, earlier and longer fire seasons and more climate change ahead. What are your plans to address these realities?"
I guess no one had been outdoors there the last few days or weeks, or had flown there sitting in a window seat, or read a newspaper or had their television sets on.
You tell me how CNN, its producers, debate moderator and two additional panelists didn't ask this question staring all the participants in the face at the GOP presidential debates in Simi Valley, California, part of the Greater Los Angeles area:
"We're right here in California - - which is having its worst drought in 500 years, and, along with other Western states, is beset by a record-setting wildfire season - - made worse by the drought - - which includes recent loss of life - -
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| The Valley Fire, now the state's most destructive |
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| California wild fire, 2008 |
Dear James: Of course nobody asked such a question. It was a Republican debate.
ReplyDeleteIn such a context, some certainties are beyond question....
Biggest losers were the custodians who had to clean up all the spittle from the angry debaters.
ReplyDeleteActually, Jake Tapper did ask a climate change question. Rand Paul and Chris Christie (and maybe one other responded). It was later in the debate.
ReplyDeleteNot the question with the current, relevant, CA-centric emphasis I'd suggested. And Tapper dropped the subject quickly.
ReplyDeleteGreat question, James. Would that you were the moderator.
ReplyDeleteHA! In a galaxy far, far away...
ReplyDelete