After way too much mudslinging in the gubernatorial race it's nice to see that some candidates can actually get along. On Wednesday, Tom DiNapoli and Robert E. Antonacci who are competing for New York State Comptroller, engaged in a friendly debate. The debate included issues about pilot public financing programs and the use of state pension funds to control the behavior of companies. At times the candidates even argued about issues that they have little conrol over like fracking, but it seemed that the two had a lot in common during the yes or no questions round. Although comptroller is a lesser known race, it is still important for voters to make informed decisions and debates like these do help. It is essential for voters to know who is spending our state's tax dollars and how they are spending it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/16/nyregion/sole-debate-in-race-for-new-york-state-comptroller-is-gentlemanly.html?ref=politics&_r=0
When asked why they do not vote, many people list disillusionment with politics as their reason. It's a shame that this debate was not publicized because the gentlemanly conduct of the two is refreshing after being bombarded with negative ads every time one turns on the television, and if this was the public face of politics more people might vote.
ReplyDeleteWhat I found the most interesting was the public financing plan. While that sounds like a good idea, it seems a little complicated and it puts lesser-known candidates whose supporters are poorer at a disadvantage.
It's been a while seeing a debate between candidates, especially when you have Cuomo who is relentlessly avoiding any one-on-one debates with his opponent Astorino. I must say that I respect DiNapoli for accepting this opportunity to debate, since he didn't have to. As Antonacci admits, DiNapoli didn't have to accept this debate since he is most likely to win in this comptroller race anyway, and was pleased to debate with him anyway. Not only that, but both men fought each other without offending the other, as if they were friends unwilling to offend the other. I truly respect DiNapoli and Antonacci, since they show that using harsh words upon each other is not necessary in a political race.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to see people have a nice talk about issues without firing at the other for doing this or that. However, you cant always have debates like this. There is always going to be different opinions. While it is nice to see people agree it is not bad to see them disagree. It is the way in which they disagree which is untactful. Rather than debate your points logically it usually comes down to saying this doesn't work and throwing out false numbers to make your argument seem valid. So the point is disagreement is healthy as long as it is argued in a professional way.
ReplyDeleteIts is great that they are having debates like this, but where are the debates between Cuomo and Astorino? They should organize a friendly debate like this and get their views across to the public in an orderly fashion.
ReplyDeleteHopefully, the debates Astorino wanted between himself and Cuomo on television and on the radio will compare instead of him outrightly attacking Cuomo.
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