Could be. As this ABC wrap-up points out, contestants still gun shy following the 2009 controversy involving Carrie Prejean, who spoke out against gay marriage on that year's broadcast, erred on the side of blandness. Note the response offered by Miss California Alyssa Campanella, the eventual winner, on the subject of medical marijuana: "I understand why that question would be asked, especially with today's economy, but I also understand that medical marijuana is very important to help those who need it medically... I'm not sure if it should be legalized, if it would really affect, with the drug war. I mean, it's abused today, unfortunately, so that's the only reason why I would kind of be a little bit against it, but medically it's OK."
The pageant as a whole seemed just as cautious -- more concerned with not making a misstep than demonstrating the slightest 21st century relevance. Hence, Griffith, among the least plasticine of the women who paraded across the Las Vegas stage, was doomed. But she's still got a lot better chance to use her Miss USA platform in interesting ways than do the majority of contestants chosen ahead of her.
Look below to see a portion of the 20/20 segment, followed by a clip of Campanella getting crowned.
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