It is laughable to see the howling underway about the practice of planting questions at campaign stops. THEY ALL DO IT!!! I am dumbfounded to see so many outraged dupes who are buying more Republican talking points. While Edwards, Obama and Dodd cynically exploit the amazing naivete of the American voter.
Because it is a Standard practice in political campaigns from JFK to Reagan. Ask me about JFK, ok? Because I was there and happily accepted handouts of questions from his staff for people to ask. I asked a few myself! The howling hue and cry here is laughable for such a supposedly sophisticated bunch.
I worked hard in John Fitzgerald Kennedy's campaign for President. A frequent question and one we all knew it was important to get asked concerned his Cathlic Faith. No Catholic had ever been elected President before now. So we were all thrilled when our planted question got answered because then he could respond to all the smears underway about his being a Catholic.
Then about a decade later as a news reporter at CNS of Los Angeles I covered a Ronald Reagan press conference. I was handed the answer to a question he appeared a few minutes later to answer off the cuff.
Now I want to know something. Do you truly and honestly believe Hillary's campaign is the only one to employ this practice? That the Edwards and Obama campaigns do not do it? Because if you say yes, I have a lovely bridge for you in Brooklyn. And you can get it cheap.
Now the second thing I want to know is how many of you have ever worked in a political campaign? Oh, ok. I see only a few hands. Well, that explains it. Because if you had ever worked in a campaign you would understand that when a candidate appears at a rally or campaign stop time is precious, and there are a lot--no make that a ton-- of loquacious people who will talk and talk and talk about Nothing!!
Now you all can take the high road on this, but the real high road is the truth and that is the practice is standard.
Finally, what exactly did Hillary do wrong? Did the student have her arm twisted? Was she presented with a question she didn't like. Was she forced?
If you don't like the practice of planting questions go after all of them. But to single Hillary out because of it, is the Height Of Hypocrysy and Obama, Edwards, Dodd and the rest all know it.
So let's hear it for cheap political posturing and empty rhetoric by the candidates who let's face it, have nothing better to say.