Powerpoint Politicians

[richlevy]

My wonderful and smart spouse is at this moment attending a question and answer at the retirement community next door. This one was organized by the community Democrats and will include presentations by Federal and State Democratic candidates for this district. The audience is by invitation only but this is not a fundraiser.

The Republicans were offered the opportunity for a similar event, with the sole limitation imposed by the community on all parties in that the format includes question and answer. This year one or more of the Republican candidates balked. His idea was to provide a fixed presentation (Powerpoint?) with no questions. I don't know if they will work this out. This in spite of the fact that the audience is at the invitation of the local Republican committee.

Looking through Norman Rockwell paintings, I'm pretty sure none of them showed a politician with a flip chart. I understand that large campaign rallies do not allow for questions, but privately organized gatherings demand it. Candidate Romney was eager to answer questions when they were posed over a $50,000 plate with the promise of additional large donations. Is that the new hurdle? Must we now bribe our politicians to answer our questions?