While preparing for an interview with CNN, Californian Republican Senate candidate Carly Fiorina was caught criticizing Democratic nominee and incumbent junior Senator Barbara Boxer’s hair. The GOP candidate called the hairstyle “sooo yesterday.” Has this off-camera moment been sensationalized or should the public be outraged about Fiorina’s mockery?
Answer:
A large portion of the American press certainly enjoys creating “gates.” Monicagate, Tigergate, Nipplegate, and now the Fiorina-Boxer Hairgate are among the sickeningly sensationalized “news” items that have stained the annals of American history.
Though Fiorina’s remarks were childish and utterly irresponsible considering that she was in CNN studio, they were not intended to for public consumption, her schoolyard jab was a passing joke that was intended for an aide to hear. It was, in short, an error that even seeming flawless individuals commit. We all have moments of immaturity and fatuity.
Fiorina’s lapse was not cruel. It was merely a stupid conversation that belonged at a pub. While politicians are naturally held to a higher standard than the rest of society, the GOP candidate’s non-pernicious words would represent a red herring to any political discussion.
Alas, too many members of the American media are impetuously determined to allow thoughtless distractions to trivialize important issues. “Gates” have most certainly replaced white picket fences.
