But these characteristics never make their way to the nightly news nor
do most of the issues with which Americans are concerned. The pundits'
obsession with race and gender is dangerous and divisive. They claim to
want to eliminate racism and create a color-blind society but focus the
public's attention solely on race, which in turn frustrates many, not
because a candidate is of a particular race or ethnicity but because
American voters grow weary of the same unintelligent drivel forced upon
them. The same is true of sex. This was abundantly clear in Senator
Clinton's victory in New Hampshire, which was the result of overwhelming
female support. What was notable was the dearth of male voters who
chose her over Obama. She may have a hard time in future primaries if
male voters are uninterested in supporting her because they are weary of
hearing about the importance of her sex.
One can hope that, as the next few weeks pass, the attention of the
media will turn to legitimate issues, questions and concerns about all
of the candidates, but this is a faint hope. It would require too much
thought and research among a profession accustomed to 30-second
soundbites. So instead we can expect more of the same meaningless
jargon which provides no information about how a candidate may perform
as President of the United States.