Sunday gubernatorial debate will be vital to election
Sunday’s gubernatorial debate between Democratic Party candidate Virg Bernero and Republican Party candidate Rick Snyder would not be as highly anticipated had in not come so close to never happening.
Michigan voters should make a point to watch the debate, taking place at 7 p.m. and broadcast on public television.
Although debates are more structured, prepared and formal than many other forums in which the candidates may express their views and policies, it is a tradition that has continued because it does have value. It allows the voting public to see how candidates perform under pressure and in the face of their opponent.
While it’s disappointing that no more debates could be agreed upon, that makes this event much more important.
Snyder, who has led the polls in a commanding fashion so far, could see a significant shift against him should he not be able to perform against the more politically-seasoned Bernero.
After several weeks without an agreement made between the two as to whether or not to schedule a debate, on Sept. 22 one was finally scheduled for Sunday.
This caused a discussion to spark, whether or not debates were even necessary, or if they should be replaced with unscripted “town hall”-style meetings and forums. While those certainly have their place in campaign strategies, they are not a valid replacement for a debate.
Although many debate responses are prepared in advance, there is still much to be learned about candidates involved in a debate; how they speak, how they react, how they improvise, et cetera.
Even the smallest gaffe in a debate, such as John McCain’s infamous “That one” statement toward Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign, can heavily affect the outcome of an election.
Since Bernero and Snyder are only debating once before the Nov. 2 election, the effects of Sunday could be monumental for either candidate.
If Snyder manages to perform at least admirably, the election could be all but a lock for the political rookie. Conversely, if Bernero can score a decisive victory Sunday, he may be able to significantly tip the scales in his favor.
Either way, this is a debate that politic-hounds in Michigan will want to see the outcome of, and all voters should as well.
