The Tribune raised an excellent point in an editorial questioning whether the presidential candidates ”have the stomach to risk showing themselves in an honest-to-goodness debate.”
The public has a right to know.
But I find it more than curious that there has not been so much as a murmur about Richard M. Daley`s total copout from debating me in our race for Cook County state`s attorney.
As early as last fall, I accepted a number of open-ended proposals to participate in a debate with the incumbent, reclusive Daley. This past summer I sent a certified letter to Daley proposing a series of one-on-one public debates that would address various issues concernig the state`s attorney`s office.
Daley announced flatly that he would not debate me before any forum. He lamely suggested that he wouldn`t debate because he disagreed with my characterization of his record.
I agree with the Tribune conclusion that a one-on-one debate, putting both candidates ”up there by themselves with just a moderator to keep time and discourage them from punching each other out” is a good format.
I am ready. And the fact that Richie Daley isn`t should raise some obvious questions about exactly what it is about his performance and record that he is trying to hide.
