The first (and perhaps last) 9th CD debate will be next Thursday, August 31, from 8 to 9 PM on WTIU. Though there was widespread speculation that Baron Hill would pull out when the format was changed from single to multi-topic, he has decided to participate. Hill explained his intentions yesterday in the News-Tribune:
I took that message of change to heart when I proposed that we dismiss the old, tired structure of broad-topic debates that allows very little quality time on any particular issue and are put together in a way that makes sure no one learns anything new. My initial proposal was to have a debate about energy issues -- particularly the current gas price crisis -- and what we can do about it in the short-term and in the long-term. Through the media, I heard from Mike Sodrel's campaign that he did not want to agree on one issue and one debate because there were many other "more important" issues. I then agreed to a media-sponsored proposal for a series of four debates around the district that would devote needed time and attention to four major issues facing our state and our nation. I agreed with that proposal and even offered four topics for the series – energy policy and our current gas crisis, values, healthcare, and a fourth debate focused on the economy. My campaign even had a signed agreement with WTIU for that first debate.
Over the weekend I read some newspaper reports that indicated that I was unwilling to debate, or even backing out of previously agreed upon debates. Nothing could be further from the truth! Not only do I want debates and have agreed upon a series of debates, but I want those debates to focus on issues that people care about and conducted in a way that the voters will really know the positions of the candidates on those key issues. I don't believe that a typical debate with three candidates that covers the universe of issues is informative, educational or even particularly useful. Between the political posturing, the two minute answers with one minute rebuttals, and the introductions and closings, we might get to spend four whole minutes on any single issue. I don't know about you, but when I go to fill up my car and pull $50 out of my wallet, it certainly makes me think this issue deserves more than four minutes in what could possibly be the only debate among the candidates for Congress in Indiana's 9th District.
