Should there be more debates? Bring ‘em on, Delco pols say
“Trump was no different than what I expected him to be. The only regret was that moderator was unable to control his outbursts.” — Delaware County Democratic Party leader Colleen Guiney
“Our candidate is just as guilty as the other. They need to stop it - for the American people.”
— Delaware County Republican Party Chairman Tom McGarrigle
The heads of both of Delaware County’s major political parties said they’d like to see another presidential candidate debate - but this time, focused on issue stance rather than feisty antics.
On Tuesday night, President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden faced off at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, in a bout resembling more of a verbal boxing match rather than a substantive outlay of platform positions. As a result, the Commission on Presidential Debates said it would consider
structural changes to upcoming debates.
The next debate is scheduled for 9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15. It will be held at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, Fla. Steve Scully of C-SPAN is set to be the moderator.
Tuesday’s debate was moderated by Chris Wallace of Fox News and many noted his challenge in trying to keep control of the event.
“The president reminded us of the words of Maya Angelou - ‘When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time,’” Delaware County Democratic Par ty leader Colleen Guiney said. “Trump was no different than what I expected him to be. The only regret was that moderator was unable to control his outbursts.”
She said the future debates should permit a mechanism for better control.
“I do believe that further debates should allow the moderator to mute those who do not heed the f loor,” Guiney said. “It made it hard for the event to proceed.”
She said her understanding is that the next debate is more of a town hall format.
“I really hope that the guests are able to ask their questions,” Guiney said, adding that it is her hope that the moderator will able to allow the responder to answer a voter’s question without interruption.
Guiney said the event showcased that Trump is not ready to help the American people.
“I was horrified at his refusal to condemn white supremacy and his encouragement of
white supremacy,” she said.
Delaware County Republican Party Chairman Tom McGarrigle agreed there should be another debate - and said both candidates were to blame for Tuesday’s mayhem.
“I think there should be another one,” he said. “I think they should have a stronger moderator. The people want answers to questions about the economy and COVID. Let’s not bicker back and forth.”
McGarrigle said both sides were to blame.
“Our candidate is just as guilty as the other,” he said. “They need to stop it - for the American people.”
Related to the upcoming election, Guiney emphasized that voters should have confidence in their Constitutional right and duty vote.
“I want every Delaware County voter to know their vote is secure,” she said, regardless of whether they vote by mail or they vote in person.
She said she welcomed all Republicans to join in an orderly election, including the poll workers.
“I hope they will come to do their poll duties,” Guiney said of Republican poll workers. “We will do it without them but we’d rather do it with them.”
She said Democrats want an election that proceeds fairly and smoothly and she said she thinks most Republicans feel that way.
At issue is some individual Republicans calling for volunteers to come to the polls and monitor workers even as pressure is placed on polls to fill worker positions.
“We’ll get it done but it will be better if we do it all together,” Guiney said. “We will ensure a fair and a safe election.”