Is "the abortion issue" a carrot on a stick?

Question

I am talking about the traditional meaning of "carrot on a stick," not the recent twist and misuse of the phrase into "carrot or the stick" meaning reward or punishment. I've heard Hillary Clinton and Chris Matthews, among others on TV, using it this way recently.

I'm referring to the carrot that used to be tied to a stick attached to a mule's or horse's head. When the carrot moved, the mule moved, trying to reach it. But since it was attached to his head,he never got his reward. It took a long time for a dumb animal to realize this, so he kept on following the path his masters wanted him to take.

Let's not allow politicians and the media to pervert the idiom "carrot on a stick" so that it loses its original meaning. It's important that our language retain a clear illustration of unfulfilled promises, because politicians are always making them.

Answer 1

Is this just another approach for them to sidetrack their constituents from the actual issues.They are missing the fact abortion is not a political issue. Put this on the list of what they are missing. Like a decent candidate.  

Answer 2

ROFLMFAOPMP @ *carrot on a stick*

the f***ing irony!

Answer 3

I don't see that it is.  If you do... explain.  I see no connection between the choice issue and this phrase.

Answer 4

Yes it is a carrot on a stick. There is really not much chance of Roe v. Wade being overturned, and yet it is a rallying cry for the right to mobilize and distract them from other issues.

Answer 5

More like a baby on a stick

But as a Pro Death Rubber Stamper Obama approves Baby Kabobs.

Answer 6

I can assure you that Roe will be overturned soon and that the murder of 40 million children is not a "carrot on a stick".