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Walsh, Connolly agree: They're not doing another 50 forums
By adamg on Wed, 09/25/2013 - 8:09pm
The two campaigns issued a joint statement tonight that instead of the endless series of forums they went through leading up to the preliminary, they want to do just three televised debates:
After discussions between our campaigns, we agree that televised debates will provide an important forum for voters to gain the information they need to make an informed decision in November’s mayoral election. In addition, we believe that these debates would offer a broader platform for the many community groups wishing to have their substantive issues discussed during the campaign.
Given the many demands on our campaigns, we request that the media consortiums that have organized candidate debates in the past come together to organize -- in conjunction with community and advocacy groups -- three televised debates between now and November 5th, one each during the weeks of October 14, 21, and 28. We ask that community groups wishing to organize forums or discussions cooperate with media organizations to make sure these are substantive debates.
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Comments
I'm glad to hear these will
I'm glad to hear these will be televised. All the non-televised primary debates were difficult for many people to get to. I look forward to watching these debates. However, having a chance to interact with the candidates in person would also be helpful.
I want them
To do an education forum live where parents can ask questions.
Emily Rooney's forums on WGBH
Emily Rooney's forums on WGBH were a bit highbrow. And some her questions were downright silly (drones in law enforcement?, really?). A focused debate would be useful.
How was the drone question silly?
Ed Davis has said on several occasions that he favors using drones for local law enforcement, particular for large events like the Marathon. On the other hand, a lot of citizens are uncomfortable with the increasing militarization of law enforcement agencies, and the related encroachment on our constitutional rights. In light of this, how was the drone question "silly?" What would you have had her ask instead that would meet your non-frivolity threshold?
Well Charlotte Golar Richie
Well Charlotte Golar Richie struggled with the question. She looked like a deer in the headlights when Rooney asked her about drones.
3 generic televised debates
3 generic televised debates is all they will agree to? What are they afraid of, so now that all the good candidates are gone the two empty suits are too nervous to answer the public's questions, so they will refrain from real debates like the forums and just stick to making TV ads. Uggh, I can't wait for 2017 when we might get a better candidate than these two insiders.
Wow. I highly doubt the
Wow. I highly doubt the media organizations are going to work with community groups to ask the hard and important questions our next mayor should be asked, especially given how poor the media coverage of this race has been so far. And as a leader of a community group that would like to meet with the final two candidates, it is frustrating that they don't have time for us. If they aren't interested in us now, it isn't a good sign for what they'll be like as mayor. This makes me even more disappointed about the two candidates we ended up with.
Once per week
One forum per week would be five, if they start next week. Rotate them among neighborhoods, focus on certain issues each week.
FWIW, I watched all of the Emily Rooney interviews online and thought it was a good way to get some answers and thoughtful debate from and among the many candidates. She did a good job.