Bob Barr debates John Podesta about Lawrence v. Texas, Roe v. Wade and judicial appointments.
This is an excerpt from an episode of NPR’s “Justice Talking” program that originally aired July 9, 2003, and was partially rebroadcast on June 23, 2008.
I must admit I was somewhat impressed by this exchange specifically and have been warming up to Barr generally. But I was starting from Absolute Zero — so “warming up” is not a particularly robust compliment.
I certainly don’t think his performance here makes up for his authorship of DOMA, just as I don’t think his current apologetic overtures (whether real or contrived) make up for it either.
Thoughts?
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Meanwhile, the folks at Bloggingheds.tv are asking bloggers to pass along this 35-minute interview of Bob Barr by Firedoglake.
2 responses so far ↓
Link Tony // Jun 29, 2008 at 9:24 am
For a politician, Barr is taking useful stances. But I'm finding it hard not to be cynical when a less compelling position can be parsed from virtually everything he says. It's almost like Ron Paul with better marketing skills, which is hardly a compliment.
That said, I still haven't ruled out voting for him. It's unlikely but possible. The Fair Tax, though, would be hard to overcome.
Link Stefan // Jun 30, 2008 at 6:01 am
There are some striking parallels between Paul and Barr indeed.
Barr has said the drastic reduction in the size and scope of the government is most important, and only then can one see about which tax structure. Paul has essentially said the same thing. He agrees with the flat and fair tax people about the elimination of the IRS, and would vote for such a suggestion, but not second it. Barr is not dogmatically bound to the fair tax issue, it is more a suggestion. I would think in the meantime the first priority would be to balance the budget and reduce the deficit while lowering the tax slightly, step by step, while certain taxes, like the "death tax" can be totally scrapped.
In this way, I cannot see a problem with voting for Barr.