Kotaku
Recently Common Sense Media, a non-partisan organization "dedicated to improving the media lives of children and families", sent out a questionnaire about kids and the media to the current roster of presidential candidates.
In it they only ask one specific question about video games, the candidates take on legislating violent video games sales. Only Senator John Edwards of North Carolina, Senator Barack Obama, Former Governor Mitt Romney and Governor Bill Richardson answered the questions in time for the deadline. The answers, I believe, give readers a sense on the candidate's take on video games and the first amendment.
In his answer Edwards points to the ESRB as a good example of industry responsibility. Barack seems to be calling for the feds to get involved, if only to once more study the impact of video games on "children's cognitive development." Richardson calls for the parents to be educated about the inappropriate content of "many video games." Citing the need to protect children from a "societal cesspool of filth, pornography, violence, sex and perversion", Romney says that the government needs to "get serious" against retailers that sell adult games to children.
Both Edwards and Barack also sort of talk a bit about gaming when answering a question about managing their childrens' media use. Hit the jump to read their answers to that question and all four candidates full take on video game censorship.
Question: How Do You Manage Your Kids' Media Use?
Senator John Edwards of North Carolina
My wife Elizabeth and I spend as much time with our children - Jack, who's 7; Emma Claire, who's 9; and Cate, who's 25 — as possible, on and off the campaign trail. We try to limit the time our younger children spend watching TV and playing video games by providing them with a lot of other activities. Our youngest children both play community sports, and Elizabeth especially does a lot of arts-and-crafts projects with them. Beyond UNC games, watching television isn't a favorite pastime in our home.
Elizabeth likes to say that we've had children in the '70s, the '80s, the '90s and our youngest just in 2000, so we've faced a wide range of parenting challenges and joys, including changes in media and popular culture. We've always encouraged our kids to think critically about the things they see on television and in movies in light of the values we've tried to instill in them.
Senator Barack Obama
As a general matter, we try to limit the amount of television our children watch. Children watch an average of three hours a day of TV — for African American children, it's four. It's too much, and all parents should turn off the TV and read to their children more often. But when our children do watch television, we try to watch it with them. This means finding programming that we can watch as a family and being there to answer any questions it may raise with our kids.
Obviously, this gets harder when I am on the campaign trail. But Michelle and I make every effort to read with our kids as much as possible. Rather than just sitting them in front of the television, we try to get them to read the latest Harry Potter.
Question: To date, nearly 10 states have considered legislation to keep violent video games out of kids' hands. Would you support this type of legislation at the federal level? What other strategies would you support to keep the video game industry and other media companies from marketing and selling inappropriate content to children?
Answers:
John Edwards, D-NC: While parents must ultimately decide what video games their children play, a lot of the responsibility for restricting marketing should be placed on software manufacturers. The Entertainment Software Rating Board is a good example of industry responsibility, and I support its ratings program, guidelines for responsible advertising practices, and outreach to game manufacturers and retailers. I also support leading video console manufacturers' use of parental controls.
But we have more work to do. An investigation by the Federal Trade Commission found that, since 2000, the likelihood of a child under age 17 being able to purchase an M-rated game (intended for people 17 or older) has been cut in half, falling from 85 percent to 42 percent. That number is much too high, and the FTC has also reported continued problems with the marketing of these games, especially on the Internet. If the industry does not continue to make progress in keeping video games with intense violence and adult content away from children, we will need to consider further steps to ensure that parents' decisions about their children's exposure to these games are not being undermined by retailers, advertisers and manufacturers.
Barack Obama, D-IL: We need to give parents the tools and information they need to make choices about what programs their children are watching or what video games they are playing. As we move towards a digital environment, there is a golden opportunity for the industry to do this on their own—to use the latest in technology to give parents more information and more choice. For example, this technology could make it possible for parents to create their own family tier just by programming their television to block certain channels, block certain genres of programming like dramas, or block television at certain times of the day. The same can be said of video games, especially as we're moving into an era when they can be downloaded as easily as today's movies and television shows.
I would call upon the video game industry to give parents better information about programs and video games by improving the voluntary rating system we currently have. Broadcasters and video game producers should take it upon themselves to improve this system to include easier to find and easier to understand descriptions of exactly what kind of content is included. But if the industry fails to act, then my administration would.
And even if the industry does do some responsible self-policing, there's still a role for the federal government to play. We need to understand the impact of these new media better. That's why I supported federal funding to study the impact of video games on children's cognitive development.
Bill Richardson, D-NM: I would consider this legislation, but I truly believe that we should make sure parents are educated about the inappropriate content of many video games. We have to get parents — all parents — more involved in the education of our nation's students. Legislation and teachers cannot do it alone, no matter how good they are. Parental involvement is more important to a child's success than any test or book.
As president, I will issue an executive order that provides all federal employees with eight hours per year of paid, one-to-one time with their children. And I will encourage businesses and the rest of the public sector to do the same.
Mitt Romney, R-MA: I want to restore values so children are protected from a societal cesspool of filth, pornography, violence, sex, and perversion. I've proposed that we enforce our obscenity laws again and that we get serious against those retailers that sell adult video games that are filled with violence and that we go after those retailers.
Presidential Questions [Common Sense Media]
Comments
I like the first line of Edwards' answer to the second question. It pretty much sums up all there is to it:
"While parents must ultimately decide what video games their children play..."
"enforce our obscenity laws again"
Christ, he's worse than I thought.
And I give it 11 comments until someone mentions that other guy. You know who I mean.
I would like to support Edwards, but he doesn't stand a chance in hell, so I guess Obama's opinion is the second best, simply because he stands more of a chance than anybody else there.
Romney can go to hell, for this comment, and everything he's done in general.
"societal cesspool of filth, pornography, violence, sex and perversion"
He must have come to Kotaku on "tubgirl day"...
They seem educated enough in what they said. Although I wonder...
For the most part, these seem like pretty level-headed, non-sensationalist replies (excepting a few). Not bad at all in my books.
Romney, you lose this round.
"filth, pornography, violence, sex, and perversion"
Why is sex in there, without it he wouldn't be here today...or his kids, or his kids' kids...se where I am going with this one?
@fyre: oh my god, Romney's worse than i thought. he's up to powertool status these days...i thought Hilary was the frontrunner for game censorship (tag-teaming Liberman) but wow, was i wrong.
At this point, id personally like Obama vs Huckabee, but pretty much anyone but Romney would be alright by me.
@Kirbytheslayer: Has to do this weekly?: I was just about to say everything you said.
2K8 USA Election: Whoever Wins, We Lose.
@TheIrishNinja:That wouldn't be too bad. Especially since Huckabee is pretty much unelectable in a general election.
Why no Ron Paul?
Obama had the best view on the situation i think, although i think he got a little lazy when he is saying that basically software devs should be the ones teaching the parents. even though all the material is out there for them to learn for themselves. but being canadian ultimately i dont care ;P
I'm votin' for the good lookin' guy.
The ESRB Has A Rating System In Place All These Candidates Need To Say
"Video Games With An M Rating Are Like Cigerettes DONT F*CKEN BUY THEM FOR YOUR KIDS"
"Stores Shouldnt Sell Games Unless There Is ID Present
Parents Shouldnt Buy M Rated Games For There Kids If There Gonna Complain"
But Its Not The Goverments Responsability Or Right To Raise Your Kids If You Wanna Let Your Kid Drink Then Buy Him Booze And Let Him Drink But Dont Buy Him Booze Let Him Drink Then Complain That Hes Drinking Booze
@fyre:
@Mr_Friendly:
11 comments exactly. Nice.
@fyre:
@Mr_Friendly:
Woot. Can I count or can I count?
And no. I am not friendly.
@Fugue: man, that's the song of the week; the board i run, a liberal and a conservative have a big bet going on Huckabee getting the nom, loser gets to wear a dress over drinks for a couple of hours so either way, i think i win.
but more to the point: why "pretty much unelectable"? the GOP doesnt seem to be in love with any of its current boys (Gulliani, i dunno, his stance on abortion & skeletons in his closet, and Romney's just a cock pandering to evanglicals), Huckabee seems to have some character, and let's not forget his name reminds me of I heart Huckabees which is an excellent film.
"I want to restore values so children are protected from a societal cesspool of filth, pornography, violence, sex, and perversion."
Translation: Mommas, don't let your babies grow up to be Congressmen.
@Barbara: Edwards? His haircut could buy a Ps3. Though, Obama is dreamy. Definitely not
Richardson, he's creepy.
@J. Kyle: @Mr_Friendly: No way. No way.
That totally has to be a Fyre alt. There's no way that could happen so perfectly. Or is Fyre the next Pachter?
This is actually very interesting. It must different for the candidates to have to deal with these issues instead of the issues of even the last presidential election. And who knows, the next president-elect might even be a gamer.
I like Obama's take. Using the ESRB as guideline, but if it doesn't work he'll step in. In retrospect, is it really bad if it's illegal to sell Mature games to minors?
Then again, I'm not a minor so I'd be more than happy to have access to shit they don't.
When was the last time we had good sex in video games? I think I am playing the wrong ones. I wonder if Mitt will tell us which games he plays that are so raunchy.
Barack Obama sounds a lot like "The Rock" so I'll agree with him ... Otherwise he'll lay the smackdown on my candy ass.
Ron Paul would reduce government and let the people decide what is in their best interest.
Yay for being amazing and then being excluded!
in all seriousness Edwards doesn't seem too bad but I don't like his "I'm a family man" angle, what works for your family doesn't work for everyones.
the whole debate about violent media is stupid anyway, here's some questions I'd like to see answered-
What are you going to do about broken homes and orphans?
How will you help stimulate the economy?
What is your opinion about the senseless war in Iraq?
@myrlin: Mitt was a big player of Custer's Revenge obviously
Hmmm...
Democratic response: Facts on the industry, ESRB regulation, dropping rates of retailers selling games to the underage, contemplation of the changing digital age.
Republican response: Violence! Filth! Sex! SAVE THE CHILDREN!!!
Government control is scary...
!!! What was that law just now?
Would MUCH prefer Kucinich, but I know he has about as much chance as Paul, so I won't hold my breath. Still, like Edwards take on this most and hoping he gets the nom.
I like Richardson's answer. Personally he seems like a middle of the road kind of person which suits my political beliefs just fine.
I don't feel like I could have a beer with any of these candidates.
Huckabee is awesome, and Chuck Norris approved, and a friend of the Colbert Report, and a talented bass player. It doesn't actually get any better for the Republicans.
But as long as the video game industry keeps being such a money making proposition, I doubt the government will legislate on it. When has any politician ever refused easy money?
@Earthslide:
Funny you'd say that, Barack used to be a wrestler under the ring name "Ba Rock." Also, he was the model for Mortal Komvbat's Barracka.
No, seriously! I'm not making this up, or issuing sarcastic assurances of my own truthiness!
@mechis: No matter your political affiliations, you've gotta love....
Mike Gravel!
[www.youtube.com]
i hate mitt romney.
I have an idea, lets invoke another law that takes responsibility out of parents hands and puts it directly into the federal governments hands because, well, they have such a perfect record for being solid, law abiding, upstanding citizens. Maybe they should write a law that says it is illegal for kids to watch the news, or that retailers have to lock up r rated dvd's. I mean seriously, should a 12 year old kid be able to go buy SAW or Hostel? Maybe there should be a law that forbids people from becoming parents until they take a competency test.
Reading all this bullshit rhetoric makes me sick. "Oh, we don't watch much tv in our house." Uh-huh.
And what exactly does Romney mean by obscenity laws? Is that code for flagburning and that pesky free speech?
@Mr_Friendly: Because Ron Paul isn't the Libertarian everyone things he is. He becomes quite a hypocrite when it comes to religion.
My vote at this time would probably go to Obama.
now if only most parents actually cared what there kids played.
@Mr_Friendly: I was thinking the same thing.
Edwards math doesn't add up. I'm 25 as well, and I was born in 1982. 25 now /= a child of the 70's.
I wish Ron Paul had gotten it out in time, I'd like to know where he stand on this issue.
@TheIrishNinja: Why yes. Republicans are almost uniformly worse on all these issues than Democrats, mainly because they need to appeal to the "American Taliban" who wants the Bible to govern all our lives (except of course the violent and sexy parts of the Bible).
Why Lieberman and even Clinton get so much attention when they occasionally latch onto proposals that Republicans almsot unanimously support is beyond me.
I guess when Democrats do it, it's "man bites dog," and when Republicans do it, it's "dog bites man." Meh, at least Senator Man-on-dog is gone.
@SpaceWhale: True conservative response: We don't need to regulate games. Parents should be able to discern what their own children can handle. Any form of government regulation beyond what is laid forth it the constitution is illegal.
BTW the only candidate that is a federalist(i.e. believes in states rights) is Fred Thompson. And the only strict constitutionalist is Ron Paul.
@caleb154: i think the point is that parents dont get the fact that M games are only meant for people 17+ the government is saying how to raise your kids, they just want parents to understand the rating system in order to know how they are raising their kids and hav an active part in it. duh.
@SkutSkut: But let's face it, it can only really get better from where we are now.
Basically, I was voting for Obama in the California primaries (which are actually relevant this time, hooray!) anyway, and his response to this question doesn't make me regret that decision. Edwards has a little bit better response from the gamer perspective, I suppose, but I think Obama strikes a good balance between letting the industry police itself but still informing parents.
Of course, Clinton's stance towards video games is one of the reasons I barely consider her a Democrat, and Romney can go ahead and fuck off both with regards to video games and in general.
I'm hoping for Obama but it REALLY sucks that right now it looks like Hilary will be getting the democratic nomination...
I'd like it to be Kucinich vs Paul for the 2008 election. Probably won't happen.. but one can hope. :(
Anyways, Mitt Romney's answer scares me.
I liked how Obama actually knew enough to be able to talk about games being moving to downloadable models over traditional brick & mortar stores. Of course, I just like Obama in general. But still, I think he had the most well-reasoned and feasible positions of any of the candidates here.
@deviation59: I still truly doubt that Ron Paul would make an attempt at censorship....
The one I would have like to have heard is Hillary..but I guess we already know how she feels about it...
@Strangelove: Why does everybody hate flagburning so much?
I was taught that it was incredibly important.
If you let the flag touch the ground, you have to burn it, and put a new, purer flag up.
That simple. There's nothing with that.
When these questions were posed to presidential hopeful Tom Tancredo, the congressman responded by making little snowmen out of his own feces, crushing them with a baseball bat, and shouting "THE TIME HAS COME! IT'S NOW, NOT THEN! THE TIME IS NOT THEN!!"