Debate Over the Presidential Debates

I, as a citizen with an interest and potential voice in the selection of our future President, feel quite frustrated that the serious, substantive issues that might give us a “feel” for the man we are to elect have not been effectively dealt with by the press or by the candidates in terms of depth or substance. It seems that most of what we see are carefully scripted scenes packaged for media display. I, for one, am tired of the “acting.” The public deserves more than one- or two-minute clips of “patriotic” superficiality.

The debates would provide some idea of the candidates’ qualities which are significant in the definition and selection of our next President. (The question should be asked of Bush as to why only two debates and why up against obvious competitive programming?)

The press should be asking better questions and delving deeper into major issues that will impact us all, rather than treading lightly and hyping the “pledge” theme.

Without being able to see the candidate behind the facade, how can we begin to have an accurate basis upon which to make a viable and educated choice of our future leader, and accordingly our country’s future over the next four years?

BARBARA McDANIEL

La Verne