Stem Cells: Flip-Flop, then Distortion
"John McCain...opposed stem cell research.."
Obama radio ad
.."McCain once opposed funding for embryonic stem cell research, but later changed his views.... he voted last year to lift the ban on federal funding for such research...."
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, September 25, 2008, page 8A
When a candidate switches from position A to position B, he can rightly be accused of "flip-flopping" on the issue. Indeed, one of the most devastating attacks on Senator John Kerry during the 2004 campaign was a videotape Kerry himself explaining why he voted both for and against an appropriation for the Iraq War.
Since no one has perfect information or perfect judgment, there is nothing intrinsically wrong in changing one's position in the light of new information or even new arguments. If a candidate does this often, and the changes appear to be motivated by political considerations (rather than the merits of the case), it makes sense to hold "waffling" or "flip-flopping" against that candidate. Such switches of stance are "fair game" for political ads.
My problem with the Obama ad quoted above is that it leaves the audience with the incorrect impression that McCain is against stem cell research right now, not that he opposed it in the past and favors it now. To leave that impression is basically dishonest, and should be condemned.
The Republican Party is deeply split on the question of embryonic stem cell research; the bill McCain voted for was passed, and then vetoed by President Bush. The 2008 Republican Platform clearly opposes federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, and Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin is also on record against it It is entirely fair to publicize these facts, even though McCain openly disagrees with his own party's platform. After all, the platform represents the views of the majority of Republican delegates, who presumably represent the rank-and-file of the party, rather than those of any one person, even the nominee.
McCain has also flip-flopped on a number of other issues, such as the Bush Tax Cuts (he voted No, now favors them) and amnesty for illegal aliens (the McCain-Kennedy Bill backs amnesty, now McCain opposes it). Point these switches out, and let the people decide if the candidate was right or wrong to change his stance. But do not blame your opponent for holding position A when you know he has switched to B.
Obama radio ad
.."McCain once opposed funding for embryonic stem cell research, but later changed his views.... he voted last year to lift the ban on federal funding for such research...."
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, September 25, 2008, page 8A
When a candidate switches from position A to position B, he can rightly be accused of "flip-flopping" on the issue. Indeed, one of the most devastating attacks on Senator John Kerry during the 2004 campaign was a videotape Kerry himself explaining why he voted both for and against an appropriation for the Iraq War.
Since no one has perfect information or perfect judgment, there is nothing intrinsically wrong in changing one's position in the light of new information or even new arguments. If a candidate does this often, and the changes appear to be motivated by political considerations (rather than the merits of the case), it makes sense to hold "waffling" or "flip-flopping" against that candidate. Such switches of stance are "fair game" for political ads.
My problem with the Obama ad quoted above is that it leaves the audience with the incorrect impression that McCain is against stem cell research right now, not that he opposed it in the past and favors it now. To leave that impression is basically dishonest, and should be condemned.
The Republican Party is deeply split on the question of embryonic stem cell research; the bill McCain voted for was passed, and then vetoed by President Bush. The 2008 Republican Platform clearly opposes federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, and Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin is also on record against it It is entirely fair to publicize these facts, even though McCain openly disagrees with his own party's platform. After all, the platform represents the views of the majority of Republican delegates, who presumably represent the rank-and-file of the party, rather than those of any one person, even the nominee.
McCain has also flip-flopped on a number of other issues, such as the Bush Tax Cuts (he voted No, now favors them) and amnesty for illegal aliens (the McCain-Kennedy Bill backs amnesty, now McCain opposes it). Point these switches out, and let the people decide if the candidate was right or wrong to change his stance. But do not blame your opponent for holding position A when you know he has switched to B.
Labels: McCain, stem cell research
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