Let’s Debate!

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

I attended a political event recently at which John Dougherty, candidate for U.S. Senate, announced that he had challenged his Democratic primary opponents to a series of debates. Dougherty stated that Randy Parraz had accepted his challenge.

Two sources tell me that they attended an informational meeting in Tucson this past week for U.S. Senate candidate Cathy Eden. A board member for Arizona Public Television was present at the meeting, and when told about Dougherty's challenge to debate, he indicated the matter would be taken up with the board to see whether the debates could be televised on Arizona Public Television.

Two things have to happen here. First, the political media elite in this state have to stop focusing all of their hopes on a J.D Hayworth/John McCain debate. It ain't gonna happen. McCain is never going to give Hayworth equal status by appearing on a stage with him. If there is a debate, it will be because McCain's internal polling shows that he is in trouble.

The political media elite have an obligation to the voters of this state not to focus all of their coverage on the childish antics of the J.D. Hayworth/John McCain contest. The media has an obligation to let voters know that there are other candidates besides an old man who can no longer remember who he is or what he believes, and a disgraced former congressman whom the voters have previously rejected. The political media elite need to make venues available to the candidates for a debate and to serve as debate panelists to ask the questions.

Secondly, the candidates have to agree to a debate format and schedule. The Arizona Daily Starreported last week that all of the Democratic candidates but Rodney Glassman had agreed to John Dougherty's debate proposal. Glassman uncertain he will be at debates. On Sunday, the Arizona Republicreported that Glassman is still "going through our normal process for evaluating and scheduling events." Senate hopefuls make debate plans a debate.

A word to the wise: none of the four Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate have much name recognition outside of their own region and voter base. All need the public exposure that a series of debates would bring to build statewide name recognition. All should be jumping at the chance to debate — package a road show and barnstorm every corner of the state in a series of debates. Take the state's political media elite along with you (but don't ignore the local media). Democrats have an opportunity to provide substantive policy discussions (and column space) to fill the void left by the media's infatuation with the childish antics of the J.D. Hayworth/John McCain contest. Give the voters of this state a real choice. Give the media a show and make them a participant. Seize this golden opportunity.

Fair warning to any Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate who does not agree to participate in a series of primary debates: I will use this space to call you out for being chicken and blowing this golden opportunity for media coverage. Don't make me rent the chicken costume and go all Sue Lowden on your ass. You know I will.

You'll get media coverage alright, just not the kind you want.