EDITORIAL: Authenticity in gubernatorial race

Recently we opined on the proposal by Rafael Lopez, the GOP contender for the 52nd District House of Delegates seat, that he and his opponent participate in 10 debates before the November elections.

We supported that idea and urged the Democratic nominee, Luke Torian, to accept.

Now Bob McDonnell, the GOP’s pick for governor, has challenged his opponent, Creigh Deeds, to 10 debates as well.

Again, we urge the Democratic nominee to accept.

McDonnell put it well in his press release on the subject:

“Virginians are tired of sound bite campaigns. They want to know where the candidates stand on the issues of today. And they want to hear this directly from the candidates.”

Indeed, we are tired of sound bites. We are tired of political theater. We are tired of talking points. We are tired of watching walking, talking mannequins tell us what they think we want to hear.

We want living, breathing human beings, and debates are a good way to chisel away the carefully crafted political plaster mask and reveal the man beneath.

McDonnell’s proposal would have the first debate happening at the already agreed upon Virginia Bar Association debate on July 25, and ending at the University of Virginia on October 20.

We don’t care where or how these debates happen; we just want to see them happen.

Since the dawn of television, the artificiality of politics has increased until it has become mere democratic caricature. That trend may be leveling off as the public demands authenticity from its leaders.

So, we hope to see the real character of the gubernatorial candidates at a series of 10 debates. Gentlemen, make it happen.