Bush will make his way to Iowa (swing state — 7 electoral votes) this afternoon for one of his insipid “Ask the president” events.
Don’t be surprised, however, if questions are limited to complementary softballs. Admission to the event may be free of charge, but it is not open to the general public. In fact, the local Republican Party is working with a conservative grassroots group to ensure that invitations are limited to Bush supporters.
It’s a stark reminder that these choreographed photo-ops aren’t about “asking the president” much of anything. Indeed, the events are hardly for the people in attendance, all of whom are already committed to the president.
The White House stages these productions so that TV images go out showing Bush reveling in a raucous reception. I guess we’re supposed to see this and think, “Wow, those folks in Iowa seem to really love Bush. He must be a good guy.”
It’s turned the very idea of a campaign appearance on its head. As the Iowa City Press Citizen, the local paper covering today’s photo-op, noted, Bush is actually missing an opportunity to reach out to undecided voters.
There are many independents — one recent poll pegged it at roughly 20 percent of the nation — who haven’t made up their minds yet about who to support for president. There might even be a Democrat or two who just want to take their kids to see the president, out of respect for the office, which arguably is the world’s most powerful elected position. After all, while the caucuses inundated Iowans with an opportunity to meet Democratic candidates face to face, this is the first opportunity to at least hear Bush speak live.
Instead, it’s an opportunity for Republicans to hear Bush deliver pre-packaged sound bites to flattering questions. Democracy at its finest.