Presidential debates are supposed to give the American people more clarity about their candidates -- not less.
It's safe to say that this week's debate didn't deliver much clarity on either candidate's position. Between the cross talk, the yelling, and the insults, it was tough to make out what the candidates were saying at any given time.
But while the media zeroes in on President Trump's demeanor during the debate, progressive voters should also be upset. Joe Biden didn't provide any additional information on three of the most important issues of this election: court packing, the senate filibuster, and the Green New Deal.
Biden flat-out refused to say whether he would support the proposals of his Democratic colleagues to pack the Supreme Court and remove the Senate filibuster if they win in November.
“Whatever position I take on that, that will become the issue,” Biden said when moderator Chris Wallace asked about these topics. “The American people should speak. You should go out and vote. … Vote and let your senators know how you feel about this. I’m not going to answer the question.”
But shouldn't voters know whether Biden will support these proposals before they vote for him? How do they know what they're voting for if he won't tell them his position?
The confusion continued when Biden started talking about his environmental and economic proposals.
When President Trump mentioned the Green New Deal, a radical environmental proposal championed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Biden responded, “I don’t support the Green New Deal.”
This sounds clear enough, except for one thing: Biden named Rep. Ocasio-Cortez to his campaign climate task force.
How can Biden both disavow the Green New Deal and give its architect a position of power within his campaign?
None of this is helpful for voters in November, but it's par for the course when it comes to our officials in Washington.
Even if Biden clarified his positions, do you have faith that he -- or any politician from either party -- will keep his promises? Or, will he disregard the will of We the People and pursue whatever agenda seems most politically expedient?
Critics of this week's debate point to its chaotic atmosphere and the unprofessional conduct from both candidates -- but here's the truth: the federal government has for decades been more about show than substance. Our federal officials put on a performance on the campaign trail, then act totally different when they get to D.C. Even if the candidates acted with grace and composure, many of their words would be just as much a sham.
The American people deserve better. They deserve to make their own decisions rather than trust their futures to their officials in Washington. Power should reside as close to home as possible, not in a faraway capital ruled by disingenuous politicians.
That's exactly what we're all about at the Convention of States Project. An Article V Convention of States is called and controlled by the states and has the power to propose constitutional amendments. These amendments can limit the power of the federal government and return that power where it belongs: with the people and the states.
Over four million Americans have joined the movement and fifteen states have called for a Convention of States. If you're tired of the song and dance from D.C., do something about it. Sign the Convention of States Petition below and get involved.
