Debate over Debates

Newswatch 50 has reported on the "debate over debates" between the Bob Johnson campaign and the McHugh campaign.

Dr. Bob wants to debate the Congressman in Oswego County. The Congressman is apparently refusing. McHugh's staff has cited 4 occasions of question and answer as sufficient debate.

One of those occasions has already occurred. It was the presentation before the Central Trades Council which was closed to the public and the press.

Another 'occasion' will be the appearance of the two men before the editorial board of the Syracuse Newspapers. This will be another non-public event, and no media other than the sponsor will be present for the questioning.

The two public events will be candidate forums in Boonville and Massena. Apparently, members of the public from Oswego, or Watertown, or Plattsburg will have to travel many miles to hear the two candidates present their opposing views.


I just watched HBO's documentary "Mr Conservative: Goldwater on Goldwater." I was surprised to learn that President Kennedy and Senator Goldwater, in anticipation of being the opponents in the 1964 election, discussed hiring a plane and flying all over the US, holding Lincoln-Douglas style debates so that the American people could see and hear both sides in true, public debate.

Could we ask for anything less from our Congressional candidates?