If ever there was an art-imitating-life film to express how I feel about the DNC's utter contempt for the principles of democracy, it would be The American President. The quote in my headline, as many of you will remember, is when Michael J. Fox's character, a senior aid to the president, finally erupts and implores President Shepherd to fight back against his Republican opponent for re-election (played by Richard Dreyfus), who has been smearing him and his girlfriend unopposed.
In my view, the debate over Democratic debates extends far beyond Hillary v. Bernie/Joe/Martin/etc. It's about the American public consistently getting both sides of the national debate and refutations of the many lies and misrepresentations that, thus far, have largely gone unanswered on the national stage. And what's more, our side is throwing pies at each other largely sans policy discussions while the American people get a steady diet of Trump, Carson, and the rest of the GOP field...all of whom are sucking the air out of the room FOR FREE.
I believe this to be a losing strategy where the general election is concerned. Perhaps diminishing debates on the Democratic side will assist Hillary in becoming the candidate, perhaps not. But what does it matter who gets the nomination if the public never gets to hear a debate of Democratic ideals? Remember, one of the reasons the American people fell in love with President Obama is the fact that they saw him debate A LOT in 2008. Yes, he was a master campaigner, but he also informed and charmed voters as he went from an underdog few had heard of to the Democratic nominee and eventual president.
Let us not give the Republicans the chance to shape the debate and define the narrative heading into a critical election. For God's sake, DNC, these people already control the highest lawmaking branch in the nation and something like 60-70% of governorships and state legislatures. Do we REALLY want to give them a running head start as 2016 approaches?
Let's hear from our presidential candidates via more and better debates...as in more Democratic candidate debates and better content and ideas than our opponents.