Mawontalk

What are your thoughts regarding the arguments made by former Chair of the Federal Elections Commission, Brad Smith?

Former Chairman Smith has supported the Citizens United ruling. He has argued that the effects of the ruling on elections are minimal because Citizens United-related spending accounted for only 10% of the overall campaign spending in 2010. Furthermore, he has suggested here that the only problem with the ruling is the lack of transparency with donations.

"I do believe that quote was taken out of context . . ."

I'm not familiar with the quote on selling Obamacare. What was the larger context that would help us better understand the point you were trying to make? Do you believe that, if you challenged the claims about Obamacare and death panels, you would be "selling Obamacare?"

Television journalists appear reluctant to ask tough but rather obvious follow-up questions. This seems to be more of a problem today than in the past, say 15-20 years ago. As a result, televised political interviews often provide only pre-canned soundbites. As a viewer, it's frustrating, but I'm guessing there's a reason for it.

Do you notice that as well, and, if so, why do you think it occurs so often?