What are Florida candidates afraid of?
09/08/2010
One of the many things that make this an odd election year is the apparent decision of many Florida political candidates to spend as little time as possible at voter forums and debates.
Crowley Political Report just left a board meeting of the non-partisan Forum Club of the Palm Beaches. Founded in 1976, the group's monthly luncheons have attracted the nation's top political, business and military leaders.
Florida political candidates eagerly have been regulars every year at the Forum Club. They have been attracted by the crowd of more than 700 of the area's top political and business leaders and the extensive media coverage.
Not this year.
While both no-party Gov. Charlie Crist and Democratic U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek have agreed to appear at the Forum Club on Sept. 15, both are trying to play games (more on that later). Republican Marco Rubio declined claiming a scheduling conflict.
Republican Rick Scott has been offered four dates in October for a solo appearance to discuss why he wants to be Florida's next governor. So far, no reply.
Democrat Alex Sink has agreed to attend on Oct. 15.
None of this is unique to the Forum Club. Other groups around the state say they are having a difficult time getting candidates to agree to various forums and debates.
And while all of the candidates tell us that they will be great leaders, a number of them seem to be afraid to be seen in the same room with an opponent. They love sending out press releases declaring they will debate anywhere, anytime but when push comes to shove - it's all nonsense.
Speakers at the Forum Club talk for about 20 to 30 minutes and then answer written questions from the audience.
In a joint appearance the time is divided equally among the candidates but it is not a debate.
Not good enough for Crist. His campaign told the Forum Club they would be there on the same day but would prefer not being there at the same time as Meek. Crist's team has made other demands as well and have suggested that Crist may not show up afterall.
Meek's campaign asked if the group could move the luncheon somewhere else.
Rubio wanted to move the date after Crist and Meek agreed to Sept. 15. Then his campaign asked if the luncheon could be move back to 11 a.m. Now he has a scheduling conflict.
Really?
We've come a long way from the days of candidates standing on the back of trucks or on a gazebo in a town square to give a speech to the masses.
Today, candidates seem to be afraid of voters. The feel safest in front of a camera doing take-after-take to get that 30-second ad just right.
How about this - the candiates agree to a series of at least three debates televised statewide in October.
And each candidate should agree to appear before at least one group of no fewer than 100 voters in each of Florida's 67 counties between now and election day. The events must be open to all voters regardless of party and the media.
After all "It's the best of both" so "let's get to work" to "reclaim America" - by actually talking to the voters face-to-face.
Don't hold your breath.
Words are like bees， they have honey and a sting.
Posted by: Jordan Jumpman | 01/26/2011 at 01:16 AM