Paul_Yates's Blog

The debates are on. FOX 5 extended debate invitations to the 5 Democrats who would like to replace Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss in the U.S. Senate. All of the Democrats went before our cameras. The result was a sometimes lively exchange that, hopefully, enlightened the electorate.

The Atlanta Press Club staged its own debate in the 5th District race. Incumbent Democratic Congressmann John Lewis declined the invitation. Rev. Markel Hutchins and state Rep. "Able" Mable Thomas accepted. The event, aired by Georgia Public Broadcasting, featured an empty podium where Rep. Lewis would have stood.

Dodging debates is a hardheaded, time-honored practice for politicians who think their standing in the polls will eclipse negative publicity resulting from their absence. Usually they are right. Why risk an on-air mistake being repeatedly replayed when you have a comfortable lead? Why set yourself up to be the punching bag for candidates who have nowhere to go but up?

There's just that little matter of submitting yourself to the people and discussing your record of representation. Is there a better way to accomplish that mandate than going into the arena and taking on all challengers?