Democrats Change Positions with Audience
This blog has been critical of the Boston Globe for biased treatment of some candidates and the resulting left-leaning bias that displayed. At first this post was to include a softening on that tone based on the article linked to below. After further review it is clear the earlier criticism was warranted. The near Dem bashing of Clinton and Obama is obviously intended to embarrass them to stand up for education reform. The article contends they have been strong advocates of reform including mandatory competence testing for teachers. Clinton was responsible for such reforms in Arkansas and lost her place on the NEA Christmas card list. Obama has called for reforms that make it easier to fire teachers.
No mention was made of that as reported here earlier when Obama spoke to the NEA and promised billions in spending for their votes. Both Obama and Clinton are avoiding such talk while pandering to the unions. This will be a test to see if the unions are paying attention. The blatant pandering for votes is disgusting. It displays the cavalier attitude of these two candidates to insult the intelligence of the voters. Playing both sides of the issues for votes should be rectified at the ballot box.
Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com
Clinton, Obama go easy on school reform talk
Approach reflects appeal to unions for endorsements
By Marcella Bombardieri, Globe Staff | August 7, 2007
As first lady of Arkansas, Clinton spearheaded massive education reform in the state. The centerpiece was mandatory competence testing for teachers, making her public enemy number one to the state teachers union.In a speech to the National Education Association last month, Obama focused on the need to pay teachers more and left out his past support for making it easier to get rid of ineffective teachers.
Their reticence has strongly disappointed self-described reformers in the Democratic Party who have long yearned for a candidate courageous enough to take on the teachers unions.