For weeks now, Bennet's campaign has been running a television attack ad that offers a number of out-of-context quotes and dubious assertions regarding Buck's positions.On Social Security, for instance, the viewer sees a video of Buck claiming, "I don't know whether it's constitutional or not. But it is horrible policy."
If viewers were given more context, they would also see that it was a questioner who asked Buck: "Is it constitutional for the government to have a Social Security program where it directs the monies that we put into it?
In short, Buck is dismissing the constitutional question rather than volunteering it, before plunging into a substantive discussion of the history and future of Social Security.
Not all voters will agree with Buck's conclusions, but they'd be better served if Bennet would debate the structural problems of the program and possible solutions rather than simplifying his opponent's intentions and trying to foster fear. Unless Bennet believes any recommendation deviating from the status quo is extreme.
The ad goes on to feature a video snippet of Buck declaring, "We don't need a Department of Education."
Buck did use those words in the course of answering a larger question regarding federal spending cuts. But he followed up by explaining that "education decisions are best left to a parent and a child, a parent and a teacher, a school board to determine curriculum. A one-sizefits-all system coming out of D.C. is a disaster and it has been a disaster for years." Whether you agree with his contention or not, it is nuanced opinion worthy of debate.
(Officially, Buck opposes shutting down the Department of Education, and says so often.)
Next, the ad alleges, "Ken Buck wants to end student loans for middle-class kids." This is a complete falsehood.
At the time, Buck was discussing the federal government's takeover of the student loan business — a program previously shared with private banks.
The Denver Post supported President Barack Obama's initiative. Yet, we also understand that those who think the federal government has no business running this program are not saying they want to end student loans for the middle class. And Bennet understands that, too.
The pervasive tone of Bennet's ad is dark and alarmist, with a message that is fundamentally unfair. If Bennet intends to have a fair and vigorous discussion on the issues that matter to Coloradans, he's off to a poor start.
