Playing "Gotcha" Politics
by Jean Carnahan

When another Monopoly player lands on our Broadway property with five hotels, we cannot contain our glee.  “I’ve gotcha now,” we bellow out as our hapless opponent pays the price for his unfortunate roll of the dice.

Yes, “Gotcha” is an old game and one that often ensnares politicians.  With the presidential sweepstakes running high, the candidates and their handlers are eager to pounce upon an opponent who takes an untenable position or commits a political faux pas. 

            For instance, during one debate, Hillary wasn’t stern enough about drivers’ licenses for immigrants.  Gotcha!

            Obama neglected to put his hand over his heart during the singing of the national anthem.  Gotcha!

            Giuliana squired his mistress around New York on the state nickel.  Gotcha!        

            Romney had illegal immigrants cutting his grass.  Gotcha!

            Huckabee didn’t know the existence of the latest NIE report.  Gotcha!

            During the CNN debate, a guy who could have doubled for Torquemada, the Grand Inquisitor, held up a Bible and smugly asked Gov. Romney, “How you answer this question will tell us everything we need to know about you.  Do you believe every word  of this book?” Gotcha!

            Romney stammered.  It was like trying to answer the classic trick question:  “Have you stopped beating your wife?” 

But, I wonder what would have happened had Romney thrown the “Gotcha” question back at his tormentor.

 What if Romney had responded, “First, I want to know if you believe  every word in the book you’re holding? 

Do you believe the Old Testament teaching, ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth?’ 

Do you believe we should all abstain from eating shellfish and pork?

 Do you make animal sacrifices and stone those who commit adultery? 

 Do you believe we should abandon private ownership of property and hold all things in common as the first century church did?

 Do you believe Paul’s teaching about slavery should be followed today?” 

            Now, I’m no apologist for Mitt Romney.  Still, I recognize an unfair question when I see one.  Frankly, I felt that the CNN inquirer went beyond “Gotcha” politics.  He seemed to be pushing a “religious test” for public office, which, of course is contrary to the U.S. Constitution.  CNN should never have permitted such a question, not for Mitt, not for any of the candidates.  But, they allowed it, because the media likes to play “Gotcha,” too. 

            During the holidays, we can look to Bill O’Reilly to keep the spirit of “Gotcha” alive with his self-proclaimed “War on Christmas.”  Thanks to Bill-O, when someone greets us with “Merry Christmas,” we now become suspicious: are they expressing the sentiments of the season or just checking to see how we’ll respond?  Gotcha!

            Watch for more “Gotcha” moments to pop us in Iowa, where presidential primaries have become the state sport and a stern reminder that “politics ain’t beanbag.”