With the debates in full swing, it’s time to turn down the volume on what others have to say about the election and decide for yourself.
Melissa Overbeck
Assistant Perspectives Editor
For months, American citizens have been flooded with information about the presidential candidates. Both candidates’ backgrounds and political records have been discussed and criticized on the front pages of newspapers around the country, and on TV, various pundits have analyzed and argued about the candidates’ policies and abilities. Editorial pages (including ours) have covered arguments for or against each candidate, explaining their faults, what they need to do to win, or the appeal of their policies. With the exception of intermittent speeches by the candidates, voters have heard only other people’s opinions of the presidential candidates — that is, until last Thursday.
The debates have begun.
Last Thursday, for the first time, the American public was able to watch the candidates face off and confront each other on the important issues facing our nation. After months of having the press convey each candidate’s opinions, strengths and weaknesses, the candidates are now speaking directly to the public. Last Thursday, as well as in Tuesday’s vice presidential debate and in the presidential debates to come, the candidates themselves had (and will continue to have) the opportunity to speak for themselves and tell the public what they believe and why they are each the best choice to lead this country.
It’s time to turn down the volume on the pundits, the papers and the critics and actually listen to what the candidates have to say. To encourage our readers in this pursuit, we have kept our editorial pages free of political opinions this week. We have chosen to keep the topics in this week’s Perspectives section light and entertaining, in order to let readers focus on what is being said by the candidates themselves.
Don’t let Bill O’Reilly, Chris Matthews or even our own Scott Withycombe tell you what the candidates believe and who would be a better president. The candidates are speaking. Listen to them and decide for yourself.
10-07-2004