Political Debates - Do They Matter?

Political Debates - Do they matter anymore? A recent article in Huffington Post looked at recent debates to see if they are dying out or still relevant. For many years, it has been a tried and true part of the process of any election. The incumbent would agree to a set number of public debates with the challengers for the office. This process would give voters an opportunity to see the candidates in action and hear their responses to moderator questions and to each other. It seems that this year, many incumbents are declining to debate their challengers. Ask yourself why they would make that choice. See this link for more:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-moulthrop/are-political-debates-dyi_b_5816224.html

Just this week, Senator Mitch McConnell (R) KY, has declined a debate with his opponent, Alison Lundergen Grimes, (D). Apparently, in this debate, McConnell was going to have to answer questions and debate in front of a live audience. Both of these options were not to his liking. So, voters in Kentucky will have only one opportunity to see the two candidates in action. You can draw your own conclusions as to why McConnell would refuse this debate, but, many are suggesting that he is running scared.   http://www.politicususa.com/2014/09/17/mitch-mcconnell-turns-yellow-refuses-debate-alison-lundergan-grimes.html

Are the voters entitled to see the candidates debate in a public forum? To help you decide, please take a few minutes to watch this trip down memory lane of unforgettable moments in political debates:   http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/10/02/us/politics/debate-moments.html?_r=0

I suggest they are vital to the political process by helping us refine our view of the candidates; and, that electors should demand that candidates provide such a forum.

Pat Taylor Fuller is an Editor for Progressive Democrats - Moving Forward, Not Back, and she has a blogspot named Pat's Commentaryhttp://pageposts1123.blogspot.com/