Monday, May 12, 2008

ONE STEP CLOSER TO REAL DEBATE

According to a New York Times report on May 12: In a "sign of what could be an extremely unusual fall campaign, the two sides said Saturday that they would be open to holding joint forums or unmoderated debates across the country in front of voters through the summer. Mr. Obama, campaigning in Oregon, said that the proposal, floated by Mr. McCain's advisers, was 'a great idea.'" This is a format supposedly considered by John Kennedy in the reelection race he never got to have against another Arizona senator, Barry Goldwater. It's also similar to what I proposed in an earlier comment, "How 2008 Is Different From 1932."

No credit is due to us, I'm sure, and the two campaigns haven't agreed actually to do anything of the sort. But, if it were to happen, the country should surely benefit. Let the two candidates question, challenge and correct the other -- again, again and again, on one subject after another. Then we'd know which of them had the sounder ideas, which could think on his feet in an unscripted exchange, and which had the power of persuasion needed to lead the nation in a new direction.

I for one can't wait to see this happen.

2 comments:

  1. I'm waiting for Survivor:The Candidates. We know McCain is tough from what he endured as a pow; I wonder how Obama would perform under duress.

    Anyway, more people might tune in.

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  2. The need for debates between Hillary and Obama is over. It's time for Hillary to call it quits.

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