The Day Crossfire Died
by David Gastwirth
The topic for this week’s Road to the White House – entitled “The War Between Policy & Politics” – featured Raphael Bostic, a USC professor of public policy and former Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Sherry Bebitch Jeffe, a Senior Fellow at the USC Price School and the political analyst for KNBC, Los Angeles. Jeffe made a strong and somewhat surprising assertion to begin the conversation, claiming that there should not be a “war” between politics and public policy, because “you cannot have policy without politics – politics in the best sense of the concept.” She supported her claim by saying that politics is what you have to do in a democracy to make public policy — you have to compromise, you have to logroll. However, she lamented that there is a war between politics and policy today. It has never been as aggressive as it is now, and we cannot move policy because those who make policy will not engage in politics.
So how did the “war” get so hot? Various culprits have been identified, most notably political parties and ideological extremism on both sides. Polls show that there is mounting cynicism in this country, with citizens distrustful of both parties. Jeffe noted how institutional arrangements – especially political primaries in the context of “safe” districts – have contributed to this phenomenon. Despite various reform efforts, it is unlikely that the ceasefire to this “war” will come from political party forces. So where can we look to for partisan peace?
Most people blame politics – namely politicization – with our sad state of affairs. But maybe it is a resurgence of politics, rightly understood, that is this country’s last best hope for solving some of our most pressing social, economic, foreign, and environmental policy challenges. It would be great if true statesman emerged from the political poles, but there is no reason to believe that our current crop of politicians have the will or stomach for principled negotiation. A more reasonable first step in the process is getting both sides to start talking to each other – even if it takes the form of argumentation. Like it or not, the media can play a critical role in facilitating that dialogue. Building on Brian Williams’ history of the media, their role in this century can be that of problem-solver. Whether or not ratings – which translate into advertising dollars – will support that adaptation remains to be seen. But the lesson to be learned, particularly for Jon Stewart, is to be careful what you wish for…..the end of battle often does not lead to a lasting peace or productive reconstruction.
Links
Ted Koppel takes on the truthsayers
Jon Stewart on Crossfire
Outfoxed: Fox News technique: cut their mic!