The presidential debates and public discussions have been almost entirely arts-free this election season, as is usually the case. Economic travesty and foreign wars (as well as America’s favorite gaffs and blunders) have been clouding any such nuanced discussion of where the arts fit into national policy and international diplomacy.
Fortunately, Americans for the Arts has been lobbying behind the scenes, to encourage the candidate’s minions to consider arts and culture. And they’ve collected a quick reference for those interested in Obama’s or McCain’s vision for (or tolerance for) arts in the national dialogue. I’ve included the table below. But you can also find it here in PDF format.
|
Sen. Barack Obama |
Sen. John McCain |
|
| Campaign has met with Americans for the Arts Action Fund to discuss policy issues. |
Yes |
Yes |
| Campaign has published policy proposals on the arts and/or arts education. |
Yes |
No |
| Candidate has made statement on federal support of the arts. |
Yes |
No |
| Candidate has made statement on federal support of arts education. |
Yes |
Yes |
| National party platform includes statement on the arts and/or arts education. |
Yes |
No |
| Candidate has pro-arts Congressional record. |
Yes |
No |
I’m not at all surprised by what I’ve read here.
Here’s another look at the differences between the two candidates: http://www.artsology.com/obama_mccain.php