About a year ago, I published a list of what political candidates say, followed by what they really mean. Like when they say, “I pledge to hold town meetings in my district,” they really mean, “I’ll see you all again when the next election comes around!”
Generally speaking, my “joke” has come true. We should commend the handful of representatives and senators who have actually met face-to-face with their constituents. They are part of a vanishing breed. Most congressional districts are gerrymandered to the point where candidates don’t even need to show up on the campaign trail or at the Capitol. Each party could just nominate an avatar, put a “D” or “R” by their fake name, and the appropriate red or blue button would light up for each proposed bill. No one would notice the difference, and the results would be the same.
Each member of Congress makes $174,000 annually. By cutting them out and installing the automatic voting system, our nation would save $93 million a year (and a lot of hot air). You’re welcome, Mr. Musk.
I could say, “I’m just kidding, that would never happen.” But I have said that often recently, and stuff actually happened. A few years ago, the writers of the HBO comedy “Veep” were often criticized for episodes involving outrageous things their make-believe politicians said or did. Viewers often said, “That’s not realistic.” Watch a “Veep” rerun today, and the zany story lines seem quaint and dated. The old saying is true. You can’t make this stuff up.
I have written this before as well: at each swearing-in ceremony, newly elected U.S. Senators and Representatives should have to say this as part of their oath: “I promise to hold at least three town hall meetings in my district each year, open to any or all of my constituents, or I will resign my seat.”
Maybe you have seen the recent video clips of the few town meetings being held around the nation. Regular people who are concerned about cuts in government services, higher prices, and turmoil in international relations have been quite vocal when questioning their elected officials. The stone-faced representatives try to do the old sidestep, a cherished political tradition, but the townspeople are not falling for it. As they press on and demand answers, the politician mumbles, “Thanks for coming and God bless America, but I have other obligations,” and then sprints out the back door to avoid any contact with actual voters.
As cowardly as that may appear, at least these politicians showed up. In most districts, town meetings are a thing of the past. Why? The elected officials simply don’t have to bother. They won at least 70 percent of the vote a few months ago, and their jobs are safe. Why get your hands dirty shaking the hands of an actual taxpayer, right?
I find this to be repulsive. I have hosted many live TV broadcasts since the 1980s. I have interviewed dozens of elected officials, statewide and local, from Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. The questions are never scripted, and back in the day, phone calls from viewers were not screened. I’ve seen courageous governors and senators get yelled at and cussed out. They took the heat and answered the questions.
The late Tennessee Governor Ned McWherter deserves special mention. If he was asked a “yes” or “no question,” he didn’t stall, he didn’t change the subject, and he didn’t recite the daily talking points from his party leaders. He answered “yes” or “no.” Next question?
I also miss Zell Miller. I interviewed him numerous times in his roles as Lieutenant Governor, US Senator and Governor of Georgia. He once got into a lengthy phone discussion with a viewer, which we had to end for a commercial break. Miller got the viewer’s number and called him back after the show. Miller’s aides kept motioning for him to end the call. “We have to go!” they said. “Not until I solve this man’s problem,” Miller said.
Elected officials were once more interested in hearing their constituents’ concerns than they were about booking their next interview with a friendly political network. Oh, if I could turn back time.
