Published: April 24, 2008 05:36 pm            

TRIBUNE-STAR EDITORAL: Let’s have a debate for Hoosiers

Obama, Clinton should face Indiana’s voters

We lend our voice today to calls from around the state and nation for a robust, high-profile, televised debate in Indiana between Democratic presidential contenders Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton within the next week.

Indiana is now viewed as a pivotal state in the ongoing Democratic nomination process. While results here may not technically decide the eventual winner, they will have a significant impact on the race after May 6.

In pledged delegate count, Obama, U.S. senator from Illinois, holds a firm lead over Clinton, U.S. senator from New York. Clinton will need a win in Indiana to maintain momentum she built during recent primaries. A decisive victory for Obama, however, might end Clinton’s quest.

Pollsters see the race as close, with Obama holding a slight edge.

With so much at stake this primary season and Hoosier voters becoming enthusiastically engaged in presidential politics as never before, a debate is a valuable tool for reaching voters. This week’s cancellation of a debate in North Carolina, which conducts its primary the same day as Indiana’s, makes a debate here even more essential.

The Indiana Debate Commission, a nonpartisan association of affiliate members, already has partnered with CNN and other organizations in extending invitations to both candidates for a statewide televised debate. Clinton, as one would expect from a challenger, has accepted. Obama, as one would expect of a front-runner, has not committed. He certainly has more to lose from a debate than Clinton.

But we urge Obama and his campaign officials to shed caution and come center stage to talk candidly with Clinton about crucial issues of the day.

Their last debate 10 days ago in Pennsylvania was highly criticized for its format and issue emphasis. It should not be voters’ final encounter.

The Indiana Debate Commission (of which Tribune-Star Editor Max Jones and WTWO-TV Assignments Editor Wendell Hudson are board members) and CNN are committed to producing a debate of substance in which key issues are addressed.

At this stage of the hotly contested race, slick commercials and campaign appearances provide only marginal insight for voters trying to do their homework before casting their ballots. A face-to-face debate sometime next week would give Hoosiers the best chance to equip themselves and make informed, thoughtful choices on May 6.

        

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