Hoekstra's superbowl scheme

Written for the opinion page of the Holland Sentinel, the newspaper of Holland, Michigan.

Perhaps I should just keep my mouth shut. I intend to question Republican senatorial candidate Pete Hoekstra’s approach to media, debate, and us, but in so doing, I may end up furthering his scheme to arouse, distract and sideline.

His Super Bowl ad has, after all, proven incredible. With just thirty seconds of football fanfare, Hoekstra has won over a million online views; the recognition of activists, community leaders, and politicians; coverage in national media; coverage in this newspaper; and commentary that I continue here.

To be sure, much of this commentary charges Hoekstra with pushing xenophobia. But has he really minded?

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