Facing Criticisms For Its ENDLESS "Hits" On David Williams And Richie Farmer, Louisville Courier Journal Editorial Attempts To Do A "Hit" On Steve Beshear.
Editorial | Hide and seek
It’s not surprising that Gov. Steve Beshear backed out of a scheduled appearance Sunday with his two opponents in Louisville’s West End — avoiding debates is the modus operandi of his campaign — but it is deeply disappointing.
The Governor, after all, has appeared only twice on the same stage as his principal rival, Republican state Senate President David Williams, and plans only two more joint appearances during the campaign.
He has declined other invitations, including at forums that traditionally are hosts for debates for candidates for high offices, often on the specious grounds that he only wants to appear before statewide audiences. (News coverage, television video and the Internet would provide any debate or joint appearance with a statewide audience.)
The Governor would risk little Sunday by honoring his initial decision to appear before the Yearlings Club, which would have a primarily African-American audience, a core constituency for Democrats. Indeed, on one level, it’s difficult to understand why he is willing to offend black voters — and to invite suspicion that he is scared of Sen. Williams.
However, the Governor is far ahead in all polls that have been made public, and Sen. Williams is having serious fund-raising problems that limit his ability to communicate his message. Mr. Beshear undoubtedly calculates that he has nothing to gain by attracting a crowd for Sen. Williams or by taking a chance of committing a serious gaffe.
The Governor is hardly the first incumbent or front-runner to run such a low-profile campaign. The problem is that it abandons public officials’ responsibility to educate the public.
An essential tool in casting an informed vote is a comparison of candidates’ records and thoughts about pressing problems, and debates can be enormously helpful in making those assessments.
By conducting an above-the-fray campaign, Gov. Beshear isn’t cheating David Williams. He is cheating the voters.
It’s not surprising that Gov. Steve Beshear backed out of a scheduled appearance Sunday with his two opponents in Louisville’s West End — avoiding debates is the modus operandi of his campaign — but it is deeply disappointing.
The Governor, after all, has appeared only twice on the same stage as his principal rival, Republican state Senate President David Williams, and plans only two more joint appearances during the campaign.
He has declined other invitations, including at forums that traditionally are hosts for debates for candidates for high offices, often on the specious grounds that he only wants to appear before statewide audiences. (News coverage, television video and the Internet would provide any debate or joint appearance with a statewide audience.)
The Governor would risk little Sunday by honoring his initial decision to appear before the Yearlings Club, which would have a primarily African-American audience, a core constituency for Democrats. Indeed, on one level, it’s difficult to understand why he is willing to offend black voters — and to invite suspicion that he is scared of Sen. Williams.
However, the Governor is far ahead in all polls that have been made public, and Sen. Williams is having serious fund-raising problems that limit his ability to communicate his message. Mr. Beshear undoubtedly calculates that he has nothing to gain by attracting a crowd for Sen. Williams or by taking a chance of committing a serious gaffe.
The Governor is hardly the first incumbent or front-runner to run such a low-profile campaign. The problem is that it abandons public officials’ responsibility to educate the public.
An essential tool in casting an informed vote is a comparison of candidates’ records and thoughts about pressing problems, and debates can be enormously helpful in making those assessments.
By conducting an above-the-fray campaign, Gov. Beshear isn’t cheating David Williams. He is cheating the voters.
Labels: News reporting
posted by KYJurisDoctor at 9:59 AM
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