Comments on: “Getting out the vote” and public discourse

By: Andy Reynolds

Andy Reynolds — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:01:46 +0000

With 5 viable candidates for Borough mayor, a real, unscripted and minimally moderated debate could be a really interesting event. Not much happens these days that is not scripted, and most candidates seem to be thinking very hard about what not to say, to put their foot in it, and alienate their potential supporters. Thus the dialogue, such as it is, is about as illuminating and interesting as a bucket of mud. League of Women Voters used to sponsor a candidates debate, but I did not hear about one this Fall. I have gleaned what little info I can mostly from the newspaper. But I agree that something a lot more interactive would be a breath of fresh air.

By: Willard Gibbs

Willard Gibbs — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:16:58 +0000

Consider using a version of “candidates’ night” along these lines: 1. Each candidate makes an opening statement; 2. They then debate each other until all possible two-person combinations are exhausted; 3. Next the audience asks questions of the candidates. (You could hold sessions wherever and whenever best, relying on local groups of volunteers to make arrangements and provide other assistance.)

Some candidates might resist this sort of procedure, preferring prepared advertising and press releases to uncontrolled situations where they are on their own and subject to questioning. Even noticing who didn’t show up at a “candidates’ night” would be informative.