ABC/s Cynthia McFadden, chip on shoulder re: US Constitution?
Here is how ABC News’s Cynthia McFadden introduced tonight’s post-Clinton / Obama Philadelphia debate:
Good evening. I’m Cynthia McFadden, reporting tonight from Philadelphia. Over my shoulder here, Independence Hall, where 220 years ago, the founders crafted a Constitution that would not have permitted either of the democratic candidates vying for the presidency in tonight’s debate to vote.
What? How is that nugget of information relevant? Franklin, Washington, Adams et al wrote the Constitution with no allowance for women and black men to vote? And if so, why is that important in 2008 America?
I may be wrong, and if I am, please cite where, but the US Constitution has no provision for the right to vote, saving that for the States. Article 1, Section 4 reads:
The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Place of Chusing Senators.
In the Constitution and the original 10 amendments, I can’t find anything that mentions the right of a citizen to vote, nor can I find anything that excepts black men and women. It’s just not there. I think McFadden was wanting to make some point of how progressive and enlightened we’ve become since those dark days of the 1780s. Her delivery sounded forced, like she wanted to say something witty. Thanks to the historical gaffe, she comes across desperate and dumb.
