Opening Up the Presidential Debates!
If you caught any of last week's debate, you know just how important it is that we, as Americans, urge the candidates to stop repeating the same stump speeches and to get down to business. I am extremely privileged to be a signatory for the Open Debate Coalition (www.OpenDebateCoalition.org). If you aren't familiar with the coalition, be sure to jump on over and check it out.
Now, I'd like to share a letter I sent to both the Obama and McCain campaigns on behalf of the coalition. I received a response as well. But, we'll save that for later. For now, check out my original letter (it will bring you up to speed):
First and foremost, I would like to thank you for your time, as I know how hectic your schedules must be. I am writing this letter on behalf of VoterWatch and the Open Debate Coalition. Following last Tuesday’s debate, it has become painfully evident that we need to change course. As you know, last week’s “town hall” debate was anything but democratic, as questions that were hand-picked by the moderator barely delved into the immensely complicated issues our nation is facing. The questions were bland at best, with no new messages emerging.
This Wednesday, we have the opportunity to move away from this closed format. To do this, we must allow follow-up questions and more freedom for the candidates to state where they stand on the issues. Also, we need to more readily involve the American people in the formulation of questions. It is paramount that we take these steps to reignite our nation’s democratic principles. Regardless of party affiliation, the majority of Americans believe that we need tougher follow-up questions. The Open Debate Coalition could not agree more, as we are committed to achieving these goals.
This is an urgent matter. The Open Debate Coalition is asking both campaigns to respond to our request today. The debate is only two days away and we need to work together and act now if we plan to see real change on Wednesday evening.
Thank you for your time. As a journalist who works extensively in new media, I have the confidence that we can work together to make the last debate more open, honest and accessible to the American electorate. Please, do, check www.voterwatch.org to see VoterWatch’s work.
Sincerely,
Billy Hallowell
Director of Content, VoterWatch
http://www.voterwatch.org
http://www.bloggingthedebates.com
Now, I'd like to share a letter I sent to both the Obama and McCain campaigns on behalf of the coalition. I received a response as well. But, we'll save that for later. For now, check out my original letter (it will bring you up to speed):
First and foremost, I would like to thank you for your time, as I know how hectic your schedules must be. I am writing this letter on behalf of VoterWatch and the Open Debate Coalition. Following last Tuesday’s debate, it has become painfully evident that we need to change course. As you know, last week’s “town hall” debate was anything but democratic, as questions that were hand-picked by the moderator barely delved into the immensely complicated issues our nation is facing. The questions were bland at best, with no new messages emerging.
This Wednesday, we have the opportunity to move away from this closed format. To do this, we must allow follow-up questions and more freedom for the candidates to state where they stand on the issues. Also, we need to more readily involve the American people in the formulation of questions. It is paramount that we take these steps to reignite our nation’s democratic principles. Regardless of party affiliation, the majority of Americans believe that we need tougher follow-up questions. The Open Debate Coalition could not agree more, as we are committed to achieving these goals.
This is an urgent matter. The Open Debate Coalition is asking both campaigns to respond to our request today. The debate is only two days away and we need to work together and act now if we plan to see real change on Wednesday evening.
Thank you for your time. As a journalist who works extensively in new media, I have the confidence that we can work together to make the last debate more open, honest and accessible to the American electorate. Please, do, check www.voterwatch.org to see VoterWatch’s work.
Sincerely,
Billy Hallowell
Director of Content, VoterWatch
http://www.voterwatch.org
http://www.bloggingthedebates.com
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by David Weller on -
Billy your URL www.openthedebatecoalition.org in your post does not work. Is the site up and running? What's the URL??
Thanks,
David Weller
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Permalink Reply by Billy Hallowell on -
Good catch. I'll correct it. It is www.OpenDebateCoalition.org!
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Permalink Reply by David Weller on
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Thanks! And congrats on your new Ning! :))
David
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