Wolf Blitzer and other CNN anchors were in New Orleans last weekend for the NBA Tech Summit. While in NOLA, Blitzer took a tour of the Lower Ninth Ward, spent time in Baton Rouge with Louisiana Governor, Bobby Jindal and sat down with two NBA legends, Charles Barkley and Magic Johnson.Mr. Blitzer wrote a blog post this afternoon on the Political Ticker about what he calls an "historic opportunity" missed by the Commission on Presidential Debates. He writes:
It’s really pretty sad that the Commission on Presidential Debates — both its Democratic and Republican leaders — decided New Orleans wasn’t yet ready to host one of three scheduled presidential debates between the party conventions at the end of the summer and the November 4 election.
A debate there would have sent a powerful message to the people of the city and to the country that the political leadership cares and remains deeply committed to its reconstruction.
When the commission made its decision a few weeks ago, I assumed that New Orleans wasn’t yet ready for prime time. But having spent the last few days there, I can now say New Orleans is more than ready. It just did a fabulous job hosting the NBA All-Star Game and related weekend activities.
The business leaders and people of the city did a really solid job welcoming thousands of NBA owners, executives, advertisers, and fans. The hotels were first-rate. Transportation around the city — to and from the various events including the big game — was smooth.
In my opinion, the fact that New Orleans was passed over for a presidential debate sends a glaring message to all of our citizens that both parties are not willing to address our nation's greatest failure. As Mr. Blitzer points out, the city of New Orleans did a wonderful job hosting the NBA All-Star weekend. Hotels, businesses, transportation and restaurants did a superb job handling stars and fans alike. Why then can't the city entertain politicians and the press for a presidential debate? Answer: Because the largest systematic breakdown of this nation's bureaucracy would be the major spotlight of the event. And that my friends (as John McCain would say) would be a political no-no.Click here to read Wolf Blitzer's blog post about his time spent touring the Lower Ninth Ward. ~Sheryn
(Photo credits: Blitzer photo courtesy of Caufield/WireImage; Katrina photo courtesy of Google Images)
NOLA would have been a great choice to host a debate. But I guess featuring a city's rebirth, despite the US government's assistance, is not in the best interest of politicians.
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