Editorial: More than ever, we need healthy debate

StarTribune.com Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota

September 25, 2008

GOP presidential nominee John McCain may have been trying to underscore the seriousness of the Wall Street crisis Wednesday, when he suspended his campaign and headed to Washington to join in talks on the matter. But in abruptly proposing to postpone the first of three scheduled debates with Democrat Barack Obama, McCain misjudged one consequence of that crisis.

This week, more than ever, Americans are worried about the direction of their country, and want to participate as informed citizens in its governance. They want, and deserve, to hear more from the candidates for president, not less.

Since 1960, debates by presidential candidates have become almost as sacrosanct in American election campaigns as nominating conventions. Many voters consider them must-see events, and depend on them to inform their voting decisions. A debate date ought to be a top-priority item on a candidate's calendar, to be missed only under dire circumstances.

The senators from Arizona and Illinois have good reason to be in Washington today, and to concern themselves with the shape of a rescue package for Wall Street. But they need not cancel tonight's debate to fulfill that obligation. Instead of a postponement, McCain could have suggested a change in venue, from Mississippi to Washington. He might have suggested shifting the debate's focus from foreign policy to the economy -- although the effect of a weakening U.S. economy on this country's role in the world is well worth discussing.

After a week when events on Wall Street, the White House and Congress have dominated the headlines, both Obama and McCain should welcome tonight's opportunity to step into the limelight and be heard. The two would-be presidents have been bit players in this week's drama -- the debate schedule notwithstanding.

More, however, is riding on keeping this debate date than the chance to gain ground on the opposition. The federal rush to bail out Wall Street has left too many Americans feeling frustrated, fearful and left out. A growing sense that Washington is out of the people's control is a serious disorder in a democracy.

A healthy presidential candidates' debate tonight would show the people the respect they deserve. The Obama-McCain show should go on.

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