for eb....
"The cancellation in the past two days of two planned nationally televised debates because of candidates’ “scheduling conflicts” and unwillingness to participate smacks of “manipulation by some candidates who would rather run and hide than defend their records and their positions on the war,” Ohio Congressman and Democratic Presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich said today while campaigning in Texas.
Kucinich said “it’s an insult to the voters, and the height of cynicism, for candidates to refuse to take the public stage and subject themselves to public scrutiny.”
link
That is probably the first and will most definitely be the last time I ever quote Kucinich, but he's right on this one, insofar as to call out his fellow dems as pusillanimous chumps. Frank the Tank would not approve...THIS IS NOT HOW YOU DEBATE.
Enough of this nonsense realitytvification of the electoral process. That's why The Aurora endorses Newt's Pledge Plan... Relax Niedermeyer I said Plan.
The "Nine Nineties in Nine" Pledge
"If you believe, as I do, that there is an opportunity for a better political dialogue now and in 2008, then I need your help. I issued a challenge at Cooper Union to those who are running for president asking them to take a pledge which can be summarized as follows.
"If I receive my party's nomination for President of the United States, I pledge to participate in nine, ninety-minute dialogues in the nine weeks before the general election with my opponent. In the Lincoln-Douglas style, I will agree to debate my opponent with only a time-keeper, and to insist upon no rules. I understand it will be just me and my solutions and my opponent with theirs."
link
4 comments:
I bet Duncan Hunter would take the pledge, but he'd be debating by himself.
I think they ALL should do it. And be called on it when they dont. Locally, people should insist on it as well.
If they cant handle it, well, then how can we expect them to think on their feet with real problems?
Its like how some job interviews give candidates a brain puzzle on the spot, catching them off guard. Its not the scripted presentation that matters, or responding to the polls and focus groups. People want and deserve to hear the candidates challenged, people want to hear them defend their plans or their views. Or at least most of us do.
I'm sorry but politics are not about Madison avenue. They need to work a little more.
I think a throwdown or two might even engage the bored and disconnected.
Oh and by the way, it has been my contention that a big problem with Dems has been "echo chamber syndrome" and the inability to understand opposing views or even seek them out. (why should I, they're all idiots anyway, and so on)
Politicians need to hear from all stakeholders. These kinds of things could help the Dems with that message problem.
If by throwdown you mean a no holds barred texas cowbell steel cage match then I am in full agreement.
Post a Comment