In 2018, prior to the primary election, Democratic candidates David Holden and Todd Truax debated in Florida Gulf Coast University’s Edwards Hall. (Photo: Chris Rehm, Holden campaign)
July 5, 2024
So, the nation had its first presidential debate—and how!
Whether one was delighted or appalled by the results, it did what a political debate is supposed to do: provide an apples-to-apples comparison of the candidates on a level playing field with neutral, unbiased moderation according to mutually agreed rules.
Now that there has been a national debate, it’s time for Southwest Florida to follow suit with its local and regional primary and general election candidates.
In the past, debates have been iffy things in Southwest Florida. Candidates have blown them off, claiming a permanent, full-time lack of availability, or local media have hosted only one party’s candidates or the debates have been conducted by biased, partisan organizations.
Moreover, local media and civic organizations have been very tepid in pursuing, hosting and holding debates. They’ve accepted candidate excuses and refusals without any protest or pushback.
As the national debate demonstrated on June 27, debates can have surprising outcomes and be starkly revealing—sometimes painfully so.
Southwest Florida voters deserve to have full, public debates by all the candidates seeking their votes.
In particular, a debate is warranted for the highest federal position in Southwest Florida: between Rep. Byron Donalds (R-19-Fla.) and his fully qualified Democratic challenger, Kari Lerner.
If the region’s media and civic organizations are to properly play their roles in this election year, the time to start organizing and scheduling debates is now. And it is the duty of candidates for public office to respond to them and appear to defend their records or offer their proposals.
The voters of Southwest Florida deserve no less.
Liberty lives in light
© 2024 by David Silverberg