KET scraps its candidate debates
By John Cheves - jcheves@herald-leader.com
Kentucky Educational Television is scrapping its traditional candidate debates this year, in part because incumbent politicians usually refuse to face their challengers on live television before a panel of questioning journalists.
Kentucky voters are losing something important with the disappearance of the debates, which were broadcast in every Kentucky county, said Stephen Voss, political scientist at the University of Kentucky.
“What you lose by not having a respected, neutral third-party like KET hosting a debate is that it removes even more pressure from the incumbents or the front-runners to prove that they deserve to win, to make them publicly state their case,” he said.
Debates are formal, structured, high-pressure events that put candidates shoulder to shoulder and try to force direct answers. Their usefulness to voters has grown in an era where campaign advertising supplies most of what voters know about candidates, Voss said.
“There is a stigma on you if you don’t participate in that formal ritual,” Voss said.
However, most incumbents have shunned KET in recent years.
The problem reached its zenith in October 2008 when U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield, R-Hopkinsville, refused to debate his Democratic opponent.
Hours before the event, Whitfield demanded that KET air an unedited videotaped statement that his campaign prepared. KET complied, leaving Whitfield’s challenger to stand alone and be grilled about foreign policy and the economy, followed by the congressman’s campaign tape.
KET believes the 2008 incident was “unfair,” and it prompted a discussion at the statewide television network on how to proceed in future election years, KET spokesman Tim Bischoff said Wednesday.
This spring, all opposed candidates on the ballot in U.S. Senate and House primary races will be invited to appear on KET’s weekly Kentucky Tonight program, hosted by Bill Goodman. Kentucky Tonight airs on Mondays at 8 p.m. (EST).
Goodman will discuss the issues with whichever candidates show up, and viewers will be able to ask questions through e-mail and phone calls, Bischoff said.
Although such discussions can be useful, they’re no replacement for a debate, Voss said.
“Just sitting around and chatting on a talk show, while it’s admittedly becoming more and more common in election campaigns, it just doesn’t have the same resonance,” he said.
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JC | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
Notice that the GOP Whitfield was the one wouldn’t debate. Was he afraid of something? or just a regular GOP nutcase.
Given up | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
It doesn’t matter anymore. Citizens don’t matter anymore. What matters is how much these incumbents can get from corporations and how many promises these candidates can make to the corporations so the money rolls in for the election cycle.
The debates are meaningless in the new world of campaign funding. Sad but true.
handiman | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
This election cylce will be different from any of the past. With all the incumbents in jeopardy, I would bet they would have shown up, if asked.
What happens if they all show up for Ky Tonight? And don’t think that might not happen. Then you have a free-for-all.
To shun a debate in this climate, might be the kiss of death.
If they don’t want to debate, hey they get
the full attention of the voters for the scheduled time.
I hope this is given a second chance.
fairplay | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
John,
Whitfield refused to praticipate in 2008. Wouldn’t it be a good idea for the reporter to ask the current candidates about participation. I may be all wrong, but I suspect that Chandler isn’t willing to participate and you don’t want to share that bit of infor with the readers. But again, I may be all wrong.
handiman | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
Clarification,
I meant to say if two candidates are scheduled, one doesn’t show, give the one that appeared the full attention of the voters.
kilowat | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
when Heather Ryan did talk no one was able to here it, looks like KET and Ed didn’t wont anyone in KY01 to here, we had no sound, oh and we recorded it if you would like to see
daniel | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
These are always to criticize the votes others have made without regard for reasons. They are kind of like Fancy Farm.. Only complaining takes place and reporters try to tear down the candidate
they don’t like..
Halyn | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
Rogers was another GOP incumbent who refuses to debate his opponents. This year he has a record three Democrats running against him. Go Holbert!
Brian Simpson | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
I was actually looking forward to the debate forum. It would be a great chance to ask Larry Clark about all of his anti-family and worker votes for the past 26 years. These debates would give candidates like myself the chance to actually put our issues out there for all to see. Maybe someone else will step up and try to bring opposing candidates together for future debates.
Brian Simpson
46th District KY House Republican Candidate
handiman | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
Mr. Simpson,
Were you approached by KET for a debate?
kentondem | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
Thank you KET for abrogating your duty to the citizens of the Commonwealth.
Since you are not doing your duty, don’t look for anymore contributions from me.
Heather Ryan | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
Yes, Ed Whitfield was afraid of something - ME! I absolutely planned to take it to the mattresses during the debate but MY opponent was too frightened and too elitist to appear at the KET debate with me. I am very disappointed that this article refers to me as “the opponent” and never mentions my name. The omission is an extension of the injustice KET displayed two years ago. CJ, by only mentioning Whitfield you give him credit and free press. Please mention his opponent, Heather Ryan, by name henceforth. Thanks!
kilowat | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
I’ve never listen to KET but a few times mostly right wing talking points
here the tape LOL nice when you have to read the blogs here in Ky to get the news
http://bit.ly/auqyv1
Shelby Countian | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
YOU CAN’T BE SERIOUS!!! How in the world could KET do this to voters?!? It’s hard enough to get candidates to commit to a good, honest debate but for a free, statewide media like KET to give up as well…that’s just bad for democracy!
Chingo | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
I agree, KET is failing here. KET modeled the very behavior it claims was the reason for not doing the debates. Gee whiz, what a lack of creativity and courage!!!
How about this, have a stand-in ready to go. If a candidate refuses to participate, the stand-in will honestly, sincerely, and objectively attempt to portray the missing-candidate’s positions. That will probably motivate candidate to show.
I was looking forward to seeing if rep Chandler would show. He wussed out last summer re: the town halls.
James Pence | Feb 10, 2010 | Reply
Congressman Whitfield played the system October 13, 2008 and the so called legitimate press let him get away with it. When Heather Ryan, Whitfield’s Democratic opponent, held a press conference to complain, the so called legitimate press and for that matter bloggers didn’t show. Not only did KET do Heather Ryan a disservice the press and the so called progressive bloggers did also. My conscience is clear, I was there.
http://hillbillyreport.org/diary/1168/ed-whitfield-kills-ket-debates
Matt | Feb 11, 2010 | Reply
This is bad news for Kentucky. It is sad that politicians are so bent that they can’t adequately prepare for meaningful questions from interested people.
I hope they reconsider your decision to cancel the debate
Robert Powell | Feb 11, 2010 | Reply
It’s a shame that KET decided to stop a great public service. Now incumbents and candidates can no longer be questioned on their views in a fair public forum. If the incumbent refuses to debate you should have a policy to offer free advertisement for the challenging candidate. I bet you would have better participation. It may be to late even for that as the recent Supreme Court ruling shows we now have a nation of the corporation, by the corporation and for the corporation.
kilowat | Feb 11, 2010 | Reply
we have a new motto !
“Best government MONEY can buy”
no more buying votes! brought to you by the Corporation
Larry West | Feb 11, 2010 | Reply
It’s probably too late for this year, but it would be nice if some legislators would introduce a bill requiring that, in order to appear on the ballot in Kentucky, you must be willing to participate in the KET debate.
If you don’t want to debate, you are welcome to run as a write-in candidate.
Bleu | Feb 11, 2010 | Reply
The debates were one of the few programs where everyone in Kentucky actually watched KET. It doesn’t make sense for tax dollars and donations to given to KET if it cannot at least host a debate.