Alright, you all may remember back on March 2nd when I implied that I may be interested in moving to New Zealand. Well, the island nation got my attention again. As
John Kerry continues to challenge George 'Dubya' Bush to a debate on the
issues (because that is what this is about, isn't it?), even the newspapers in far-away New Zealand are getting the message.
Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, visiting the site of one of the most famous political debates in American history, challenged President George W. Bush on Saturday to a "real discussion about America's future" in monthly debates. [...]
"I believe the American people are hungry for a genuine conversation about the fundamental questions before us," Kerry said in Quincy, Illinois, site of one of the seven historic Abraham Lincoln-Stephen Douglas debates.
The 1858 senatorial debates between Douglas and Lincoln, who lost the Senate race but won the presidency two years later, is legendary in United States political history for bringing crucial issues like slavery and states' rights to the front of the US political agenda.
"Surely, if the attack ads can start now at least we can agree to start a real discussion about America's future," Kerry said, trying to take the high road early in a campaign already marked by bitter charges and counterattacks. [...]
"2004 can't be just another year of politics as usual," Kerry said. "The challenges we face are just too grave and too great.
"We confront big issues -- as big as any in our history -- and they call for a new and historic commitment to a real and informed exchange of ideas."
If someone half way around the world can come to the realization that this is worth talking about, how come our President can't just say yes and debate John Kerry on the issues? Perhaps he just doesn't wanna lose too early? He hasn't spent his war chest yet, ya know...