Voice of Revolution

Vice-Presidential Debate

A Debate Absent the Vision of the Working Class

Vice-president Joe Biden and Republican challenger Paul Ryan will debate on October 11. The debate is being presented as critical for Obama, after what is called his “lackluster” performance in the first presidential debate. As has been the case before and since the first debate, emphasis is going to form — how the two candidates will perform. Both are being called on to be aggressive and one can anticipate a lot of back and forth exchange with little substance and many “big lies,” about jobs, budgets, deficits and war. Look for Biden to take on his bull-dog persona.

There is of course little discussion about the form of the debate itself, which excludes all third party candidates. The form is also designed to depoliticize people as they watch. Thoughtful and informed debate, with examination of who decides crucial matters like war and peace and the economy, is not permitted. The vision of the working class demanding a new direction for the economy and political affairs is completely excluded. Workers have their own heads and experience and vision — why is such content completely excluded?

A serious debate is one between the actual visions in contention today, between the monopoly owners and the working class. Breaking out of the narrow confines of the existing debates and organizing to actually discuss the vision of the working class among our fellow workers and peers would contribute to changing the political atmosphere in favor of the people. The depoliticizing and disinforming imposed by the debates, where there is to be no alternative to the failed system of the rich, needs to be rejected.

The working class has an alternative: a new direction for the economy, where workers decide and the economy is organized to guarantee the rights of the people, not the private interests of the monopoly owners. It is an economy where workers, as producers, have first claim on the wealth and the government, as representative of society and socially responsible for providing for the rights of the people has second claim. On this basis, there is easily sufficient wealth to meet all the basic rights of the people to jobs, housing, healthcare, food and education at a U.S. standard.

The working class also has the demand for a new direction for political affairs, for a modern democracy where the people themselves govern and decide. We do not need the politicians of the rich, we need our own worker politicians. We need a set up where there is public financing of the process, so that all candidates have an equal right to be elected. On that basis there would actually be candidates representing the workers elected and not simply those who are vying to be champions of the rich.

Voice of Revolution urges all concerned to organize among fellow workers and peers to have serious political debate on the vision of the working class for a new direction for the economy and political affairs. Elaborate the vision of the working class and debate measures today to make that vision a reality, like public financing of the process.

[TOP]

A Possible Explanation for Obama’s Debate Performance

Many people are wondering how it is that President Barack Obama, known for his oratory skills and abilities to communicate, performed poorly at the first debate. He came across as disinterested and cool, unwilling to jump into the fray. Romney on the other hand was aggressive through out. Some say the president was attempting to remain presidential — he is supposed to be above the mudslinging, if not in the negative advertising, at least during the debates.

There is however perhaps another explanation. It is fairly well known that Obama’s base is not as energized this time around. Many are disillusioned with the president and expected to sit out the election. Numerous polls also indicate that if Obama’s base does turn out in large numbers, he will easily win.

Coming into the first debate, Obama was said to be ahead, especially in the swing states. Since the debate, he is said to be slipping and even behind. What better way to mobilize the base than to now be positioned as an underdog, losing ground to Romney? And what better way to prepare to counter Romney than to save key ammunition, like that about the “47 percent” until closer to the election, when the anger can be re-ignited? Watch for Obama to emphasize that he is having difficulties and needs everyone to rally round and get out and vote, for him to win.

[TOP]