The Whalen campaign requested 13 debates with Representative Herseth. I gather she has agreed to three, which is not an unreasonable number. This is not exactly the Lincoln-Douglas debates. My friend Chad at CCK has this comment:
Can someone explain to me why Stephanie Herseth is obligated to debate a man who attempted to spread false, vicious rumors about her?
I reply that Ms. Herseth is not obligated to debate anyone, regardless of how they have behaved. If she had really chosen not to debate Mr. Whalen at all on the grounds Chad suggests, it would demonstrate that she is too thin-skinned for the job. I would note that the only example of false rumors of which I am aware was sharply condemned on this blog.
I suspect that our sole representative in the U.S. House made her decision on more mature grounds: does it help or hinder her reelection chances? No comfortable incumbent wants to debate a challenger. Debates are a chance for the challenger to raise his stature by appearing as an equal in some forum, and more importantly, they present the incumbent with a chance to make a serious mistake. For the incumbent, they are nothing but a liability. Perhaps the number thirteen was chosen in the hopes that it would bring Congresswoman Herseth a little bad luck, as the campaign approaches Halloween?
Agreeing to debates is the responsible thing to do. The Whalen organization notes that Governor Rounds has agreed to eight debates. Maybe eight is better than three, but we will get to see the candidates for the Rushmore House seat face up to one another.
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