A reader writes:
The single most important issue to arise since the threat of cataclysmic nuclear war subsided with the collapse of the USSR is climate change. If left unaddressed, it threatens all humanity. Perhaps Obama or Biden have given it a brief platitudinous mention, but NO one on the national stage is giving it the attention it demands. Never mind that we’re talking about preserving life as we know it versus massive calamity and suffering, climate change may well be a winning political issue!
But that won't stop the denialists. Another reader:
I will be extremely disappointed if tonight's town hall does not include a servicemember (or heck, even anyone) who specifically asks whether a Romney presidency will result in an administration which actively works to repeal the repeal and reinstate "Don't Ask, Don't Tell".
How can he possibly bring back such a discriminatory policy, especially in light of evidence that repeal has had no negative effects on the mission readiness, morale, unit cohesion, retention, and recruitment of the military whatsoever? Does he actually think he could get Congress to pass another DADT law in light of theese findings? If it was reinstated, would the thousands of lesbian, gay, and bisexual servicemembers who have come out since repeal instantly be under investigation for discharge? Or would they just have to no longer acknowledge to their co-workers their spouse who has already accompanied them to the military ball, a celebratory return from deployment, or become a member of the base's military spouses club? Reinstatement of a ban would prove much more harmful to the military than the non-effect of repeal. How would that actually be instituted?
A Romney answer showing support to repeal the repeal could prove a benefit to Obama in demonstrating Romney is an extreme right-wing conservative, particularly after Romney's spontaneous move to the center at the last debate.
Meanwhile, Balko wishes the candidates would pay more attention to criminal justice and civil liberties:
Politicians are risk-averse creatures of habit. For decades they've been trained to mutter the same soundbites about crime. Polls show America's opinions on many of these issues are shifting, but few people actually vote on them. And the people most affected when the crime policy pendulum swings too far toward government power aren't large enough in number or stature to force a debate.
These aren't commercial-ready, culture warring, fundraising issues like something some candidate said about rape, funding for Big Bird, or whether or not Clint Eastwood is losing his mind. They're difficult, important, and — especially for the communities they affect most — they're immensely consequential. But until there's a penalty at the polls for looking the other way, most candidates will avoid the political risks that come with tackling them.
Earlier thoughts here.
The Dish 