It’s Time to Talk: A Candidate’s Responsibility to Debate

Abbey Olson/Contributing Writer

A current senator or mayor running for re-election often has an advantage in politics, by virtue of having name recognition within their respective communities and is often less willing to debate than a new face in an election. From an incumbent’s perspective, merely debating their opponent shines a light on an alternative candidate for office.

However, this refusal to debate has become a trend in politics that goes against the fundamental purpose of a liberal democracy.

For instance, current Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Giménez, according to his opponent Raquel Regalado, has not agreed to participate in any debates. In a statement released by the Regalado Campaign, they charged Giménez with “hiding behind the media smoke screen” and questioned his regard for government transparency.

Even candidates without incumbency have been presented with the opportunity to debate and have failed to accept the challenge.

In May, Donald Trump suggested he would partake in a debate with then presidential candidate, Bernie Sanders. Yet, Trump later issued a statement in which he deemed it “inappropriate to debate the second place finisher.”

There is an underlying issue when elected officials or candidates for office refuse to discuss and defend their prescribed solutions to the problems affecting the lives of the people they wish to represent.

In a democratic society, debate is a necessary exercise in free political speech. It increases government transparency and fosters a political culture of informed voting. Especially for undecided voters, debate provides an opportunity for the candidates to present their case and platform so that citizens can make a more educated choice.

Although this trend toward complacency among candidates seems to be mounting, there is a simple solution. Citizens must hold candidates accountable. Regardless of party affiliation, calling or writing your representatives and ensuring they are willing to open a dialogue with their opposition could lead to improved party relations and force compromise.

Ultimately, debate may even lead to better policy-making in the future. It’s time American citizens demanded more from the people they choose to represent them. It’s time to talk.

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The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of FIU Student Media Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.

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