More to pols than what they pledge
By Christine Todd Whitman Politico September 26, 2011 Election-year pledges seem to be in vogue, particularly as the presidential cycle gets under way. Any number of organizations can ask candidates to sign their pledge to ensure voters, and particularly their own narrow audience, have a crystal clear understanding of the candidates’ positions on specific issues. In this way, pledges simplify the political process — providing both a clear view of the candidates’ viewpoints and a set number of policy choices candidates have committed themselves to making if elected. [...]