L.A. Times writer Michael McGough published an article this week regarding a comment Senator Bernie Sanders recently made in a debate. Sanders “[made] a joke about wrong-thinking...Republicans, and it backfired.”
I initially expected something entirely different from what the article offered, anticipating criticism towards Bernie Sanders’s actions. While I agree with McGough that perhaps the accusation made was a bit crude and uncalled for, particularly coming from the president of the Ruderman Family Foundation -- which is a Jewish organization that “advocate for and advance the inclusion of people with disabilities” -- I believe that politicians in the spotlight, namely Bernie Sanders, should be held accountable for repercussions and more cautious of their wording. Regardless of intention, misuse of wording when referring to mental disability of any variety can come off as mocking and as though the speaker does not take the issue seriously.
Perhaps the interjection included from a Twitter user was a bit too personal and irrelevant to be included in the article. Personally, I feel that the implementation of a random user’s Tweet, along with the fact that the user was not named, takes away from the author’s credibility. Using a legitimate and popular Twitter critic instead could have added to the article.
As I understand it, the article was intended for a more democratic audience, seeing as it defends Sanders and his statement, asking the reader to “cut him some slack.” McGough is the senior editorial writer for the L.A. Times, and has a heavy law background, having graduated from Yale’s school of law. He notably writes more opinion articles than unbiased, and most tend to lean away from Republican views. In conclusion, the author sees the criticism Sanders receives as unfair judgment, considering all that the candidate has advocated for in regards to mental illness and protection of the disabled.
"Bernie Sanders jokes about the 'mental health' of Republicans." L.A. Times. L.A Times,
7 March 2016. Web. 11 March 2016.
N.P. Ruderman Family Foundation. Ruderman Family Foundation. Web. 11 March 2016.
