As many of you know, there are 3 scheduled presidential debates.
The only one that was planned to be in a public forum with questions from the audience, is the one that is supposed to take place at Washington University on Oct 8th, but he's already trying to pull out of that one... here is an article on that:
http://www.studlife.com/news/2004/09/08/News/Debate.Off-712531.shtml
Today, I noticed an editorial in the Springfield News-Leader that I thought was very interesting... it was written by Former Missouri Senator Jean Carnahan.
Here it is:
http://springfield.news-leader.com/opinions/ozarksvoices/0916-Bushshould-180081.html
Published September 16, 2004
Bush should debate in St. Louis
Presidential debates are rare and special events in our country. For a couple of uninterrupted hours, unfiltered by pundits or commentators, Americans get to see what the two candidates who would be president are all about. It is the most American of political traditions, and an essential part of our democratic process.
There are three proposed presidential debates this election cycle. The second debate is set to take place at Washington University in St. Louis on Oct. 8. This debate is being planned as a town hall event, where Missourians will have the opportunity to look the candidates in the eye and ask critical questions. As a democratically elected President, George Bush should be willing to stand up and defend his record and choices he has made that affect our daily lives. As a candidate for the nation's highest office, John Kerry should be willing to articulate his plans and explain why he offers a better direction.
Millions of voters rely on the information they receive from the debates. And voters face a very clear choice this election year. There are stark differences between Mr. Bush and Mr. Kerry that will impact America's future, and the debates have the power to crystallize these differences for those who choose to watch or listen.
There are rumblings now that President Bush may pull out of the Washington University. George Bush is a skilled debater. Posturing to reject a third debate is a deliberate strategy by the Bush campaign to lower expectations for the president -- a slick political game they played and won in 2000. If George Bush is proud of his record he will stand up and debate.
At the very least, American voters deserve three debates on the real issues we will be facing for the next four years. Speaking directly to the American people as a political candidate is a privilege and a responsibility, not a burden.
Much investment of time and money has already gone into the planning of this year's event. We urge the president to participate, and to uphold the American tradition our presidential debates have come to embody in this country.
Jean Carnahan is a former U.S. senator from Missouri.