Earlier today, Sunday, I attended a "debate" between Rep. Heather Wilson and her challenger, State Sen. Richard Romero at Congregation Albert in Albuquerque. I left early, though, because I was disgusted.
The problem? Both candidates got away with murder. They answered questions from the moderator and from the audience in turn. There were no follow up questions, so their answers - no matter how incomplete, evasive, inaccurate, insulting or fanciful - stood.
If I had stayed, I might have heard the candidates question each other. Fine. But that represents no check on their answers.
Both candidates, for example, told us that PAC contributions don't sway them - they vote their consciences. Wilson went on to opine that most people in Congress operated the same way.
Aaaargh.
There was nobody to ask, "Why, then, do entire industries, corporations,wealthy individuals and unions keep giving you big money? For their health?"
Or, "Why, then, has Sen. McCain said big money has bought the nation's lawmakers?"
Or, "How dumb do you think we are?"
Civic organizations, like the Temple Albert Brotherhood, oought to find new formats. Question-and-answer may serve the candidates' interests, but it sure doesn't help voters.