McClure should reconsider Hawkins' right to debate
Syracuse Post-Standard
September 16th, 2008
Post-Standard Letter
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
To the Editor:
I read with interest Mike McAndrew's Sept. 12 story headlined, "Maffei, Sweetland OK five debates."
I was, frankly, incensed by the comments of Professor Robert McClure, as he attempted to justify his arbitrary exclusion of Green populist candidate Howie Hawkins from the Oct. 15 debate, sponsored by the Maxwell School and WTVH-TV.
Professor McClure contends that adding Hawkins to the debate would decrease the amount of "meaningful information" the public would receive. I disagree. Hawkins is a thoughtful individual who expresses coherent views on a number of issues. While I seldom agree with his positions, he deserves to be heard.
I, for one, would be happy to extend the debate a half-hour or so, in order that Hawkins might be heard, without depriving the public of "meaningful information" from the major-party candidates.
Professor McClure also flatly states that Hawkins has no chance of being elected. It is presumptuous at best for Professor McClure, who should be an unbiased moderator of the debate, to predetermine whether or not any candidate is going to win or lose a campaign.
As every other debate sponsor has acknowledged, he is a legally qualified candidate and has earned the right to appear on stage with Dan Maffei and me.
In the interest of fundamental fairness and - dare I say - academic freedom, I urge Professor McClure to reconsider his position.
Dale A. Sweetland
Republican candidate for Congress
25th Congressional District
Syracuse
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