Oh, they're more than capable of appearing idiotic even with prepared statements. ;-)
I read an interview, I believe it was with Gore Vidal, talking about his grandfather being a senator. The point he was making was that at that time congressmen were educated men, able to make points in Latin, having reasoned discourse. Now it's all sound bits and ad hominem attacks. I think the decay of congress began with CSPAN when congresscritters realized that they had to look good since they were now appearing on TV, so immediately $500 suits and $100 haircuts and makeup became the norm. Then when the 24 hour news cycle erupted, they had to sound impressive for their constituents, regardless of how they were voting or what they thought. It's become a feedback loop.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2013-04-05 08:09 pm (UTC)I read an interview, I believe it was with Gore Vidal, talking about his grandfather being a senator. The point he was making was that at that time congressmen were educated men, able to make points in Latin, having reasoned discourse. Now it's all sound bits and ad hominem attacks. I think the decay of congress began with CSPAN when congresscritters realized that they had to look good since they were now appearing on TV, so immediately $500 suits and $100 haircuts and makeup became the norm. Then when the 24 hour news cycle erupted, they had to sound impressive for their constituents, regardless of how they were voting or what they thought. It's become a feedback loop.