Debating Debates

Post #41

During every presidential campaign, we read about the debate over debates.  Who should be included?  How many should there be?  Who should ask the questions?  Where should they be held?

At the state level, things shouldn't be that complicated.  The constituency is local, campaign budgets are small, and most candidates relish any opportunity to speak to groups of voters.  Incumbents have records of bills they have sponsored (or cosponsored) they usually love to brag about.  Challengers have community experience and issue differences with the incumbent they want to share. 

I believe that debates are among the most fundamental and important methods for candidates to interact with voters.  I am hopeful there will be a number of dynamic debates that would offer each candidate plenty of time to share her/his views. A number of elements need to come together to schedule such debates.

First, organized community groups are needed, with an engaged membership that will come out for an event and ask constructive but probing questions of the candidates.  These groups may have to find a venue where the event could be held.

Second, relevant issues need to be at stake.  An organization with nothing pressing before a City Council, for example, might be less interested in the Mayor & Council races in its municipality.  The membership may wait for the State or County elections to reach out to its membership.

Third, a setup that is fair to all candidates participating is needed.  If the deck seems stacked for or against one side on an issue, some parties may feel disadvantaged and hesitate to participate.  Debate rules and guidelines should be shared in advance with all candidates and/or their representatives.  Questions should ideally be screened by a committee to remove any appearance of bias and favoritism.

Such debates, in my view, should provide both structured and unstructured time to address a sizeable and diverse audience.  And I hope they will be held in multiple communities around District 17, with emphases on different issues, enabling the maximum number of interested voters to attend.

I would love to hear from you, dear Blog reader!  Do you find candidate debates helpful as you decide who to support?  Would you rather an open forum with many topics addressed, or one more focused on issues of special concern to you?  Please send an email to Blog@CherylKagan.org or click on the "Comments" link below to express your views.  Please be sure to indicate which post (#41) you're addressing.

Thanks for reading.  I will post again soon.