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Election 2012 Is Just Boring

Richard Cohen: It's all about the economy, so why bother?

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 26, 2012 1:09 PM CDT

(Newser) – We're in the midst of a race to decide the future of our country, yet somehow it's managed to be unbelievably boring at the same time. In fact, "if the presidential campaign were a TV program, it would have been canceled by now," writes Richard Cohen in the Washington Post. The key problem is that the election hinges on the economy. "If it improves, Barack Obama will win; if it worsens, Mitt Romney will win," Cohen writes. Romney knows this, and is happy "not to make waves."

It seems as though the campaign is "being conducted by men who will not—or cannot—control events but are waiting for events to control them." What's more, the candidates are "both withdrawn, withholding people." (Yes, Obama has charm, but its effects fade quickly, Cohen writes.) The campaign is like sports now, with a core group of obsessed fans tuning into their favorite channels. The candidates, though, are "just going through the motions" until November. Click through for Cohen's full column.

It's a boring election, writes Richard Cohen.
It's a boring election, writes Richard Cohen.   (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
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This is a campaign of immense consequence and, paradoxically, torpor. - Richard Cohen

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 14 comments
MarkFL
Jul 31, 2012 2:43 PM CDT
I was just thinking that the campaign was paradoxically torpor. This guy read my mind.
USLady
Jun 28, 2012 12:09 PM CDT
You know what is boring? That Obama is still in office! The race is not suppose to be a game show! people have gotten too showy in their ways with all that they watch on TV.This is about helping the country! and Romney is the one to do this! Romney is not boring at all! he is inspiring! and he is the one to get the job done! Obama had 4 years! he has done nothing! let me say that again NOTHING! to help this country! no! brainer here! you do not vote for a man that can not do one good thing for this country in 4 years,for 4 more years! duh! no! do  not think so! Not only this but Obama has done more harm to this country! and this has been done on purpose as he try's to allow our enemies to gain ground against us in military and other ways also.Are people taking the dumb pill out there or what! time to realize what Obama is really doing to our country.This is a man who placed a muslim over our national security! now don't you feel safer? don't think so? and no muslims do not worship God,they worship a moon god-lower g,big difference .Our country is founded on the true God,and therefore that should be the only people in office in the white house are those who stand for our founded principles for our country,not some hoo- doo- voo- doo type people!
cornelison
Jun 28, 2012 3:41 AM CDT
Scott Brown wants to make his race for the Mass. Senate a bore.  He figures that he can run on name recognition.  He's afraid to debate Elizabeth Warren & he's hoping that the voters won't know how he voted in Congress.  He has yet to explain why he loves Romneycare in Mass. but wants to repeal it in The Senate.
 

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