The Debate

In this painting, Dietrich reminds us that confrontational politics is nothing new. He shows people from various segments of society caught up in the headlines or happenings that matter in their lives. In the meantime, the politicians are pointing fingers and arguing with each other. They are so caught up in their battle that they fail to see the everyday people. The montage of newspapers behind them have headlines that hint at the words they may be shouting. Later in his career, Dietrich often veered from the vision of ideal America that typifies the work of Regional artists. Here he is more concerned with political problems than pastoral settings.