Let the Horses Run the Race

John Kerry challenged George Bush to engage in weekly debates between now and the election on the issues that matter most: e.g. education, health care and national security. I'm all for this. Enough with the surrogate attacks, misleading advertisements, and canned applause. What could be better for the American people than listening to the two go at it head to head?

Unfortunately, Bush's spokesman politely declined, saying "We respect Senator Kerry's eagerness to contrast his vision for America with President Bush's vision, but we feel that the appropriate time for debates is after both parties have had their conventions. At that time, President Bush will gladly stand before the American people and show them that his accomplishments and his plan are superior."

Kidding. These guys are far more smarmy than that. What the Bush/Cheney spokesman actually said is: "There will be a time for debates after the convention, and during the next few weeks, John Kerry should take the time to finish the debates with himself."

Of course, this snottiness is meant to deflect attention from the fact that Bush once again backed down from a personal challenge. That really does seem to be his m.o.