Opinion: Even On 9/11 Obama And Romney Can't Resist Political Attacks
Several weeks ago President Barack Obama and GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney agreed to the honorable choice of swearing off any negative advertising hitting the airwaves on September 11 out of respect for the somber national day of mourning regarding the 11th anniversary of the terrorist attack.
A political-attack cease-fire much like the ones engaged in for the 2004 and 2008 presidential elections was expected and welcome. While the portions of the nation inundated with attack ads in recent weeks pulled the ads for the day, that's about as much attack-less respect as the day received from President Obama and Mitt Romney. Other than the canceled ads for all of 24 hours, it was basically business as usual according to numerous reports.
Though President Obama made a 9/11-themed appearance at the Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia and Mitt Romney did the same at a National Guard Association Convention in Reno, Nevada, the political campaigning continued amongst the two who voluntarily insinuated a day of reprise from it all.
As one surfed the Internet on Tuesday, especially when looking at political-related articles, the political ads were still popping up on the screens with brash calls for dissention against the other candidate as well as for donations to help them win in November.
When visiting BarackObama.com, the song remained the same on 9/11 as the opening page said "We have a choice between Romney Economics and an economy built to last. Stand with the President." (Enter email address and zip code) "I'm in!"
When visiting MittRomney.com, the song remained the same as well on 9/11 as the opening page asked for one's email address to "Get the latest news and updates from the campaign", and continuing to the next page which read "Americans deserve more jobs and more take home pay."
No mention of 9/11 on the web pages of either, but two great opportunities for people who have money to donate to their favorite candidate.
With eyes and ears on the president of the United States throughout the entire day, there was extreme criticism right at the beginning of the day when Obama spoke on a morning radio show and found it necessary to joke about sports – football, in particular – and politicize his ongoing battle with Romney and Paul Ryan regarding Medicare. As listeners waited for a comment – any comment – regarding the solemn day we had reached as a nation on the calendar, 9/11, there was reportedly not one word spoken by the president regarding the historic day.
While Romney at least said that the day, 9/11, was not a time for voicing differences, he couldn't help but end up mentioning a couple of his differences with Obama by the end of his speaking yesterday.
The thought of going an entire day without political campaigning out respect of those who lost their lives on 9/11/2001 was a nice and extremely appropriate thought. However, disappointing to many, it wasn't the respectful day totally without political bickering that was expected by many who were watching and listening.
About Scott Paulson
Scott Paulson writes political commentary for Examiner.com and teaches English at a community college in the Chicago area. The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of CBS Local.
