Leaving Substance for Image leaves little room for true political understanding

Chuck Raasch, writing for realclearpolitics.com, recently published an article titled, "The Death of Writing, and Its Impact on Our Politics."
The author says that since the civil war,

"...we have evolved from word to image creatures, devaluing the power of the written word and turning ourselves into a species of short gazers, focused on the emotions of the moment rather than the contemplative thoughts about consequences and meaning of our actions."

Focusing on the emotions of the moment is the zeitgeist of the 21st century. It is the bedrock that supports Facebook, texting, and tweeting. A picture no longer need be worth a thousand words. It simply has to convey an emotional appeal. Image reigns supreme in today's society. Singers are judged as much on their looks and performance as they are their talent, as are actors and to some extent authors.

Raasch says we are content with sound bites. Even the 30 second sound bite is archaic.
The worst impact of all this is on our politics. We ignore substance and exult imagery. Ask yourself: Who was the last fat President? Who was the last bearded one? Candidates are hyped with flashy advertisements designed not to enhance the understanding of his or her positions on issues, rather the candidate's charisma and style, the ability to toss out a quick barb or derisive comment.

I don't know what to think of Governor Christie of New Jersey, because I am uncertain of his stand on many political issues, but I know a lot of people see him as no more than a buffoon. Why? The comedians and other politicians constantly deride him because of his weight. If they spent as much time studying the issues as they do making jokes, we wouldn't have such a dysfunctional government.