John Wolfe, the Democratic nominee for the 3rd District seat in the U.S. Congress, says he will debate Chuck Fleischmann, the Republican nominee, and independent candidates "anywhere and anytime." That's a stance voters should appreciate. A debate provides an opportunity for candidates to explain and defend their views on vital issues. It allows those preparing to cast a ballot to take the measure of candidates. Fleischmann must believe he doesn't owe that to voters. So far, he's refused to debate. Voters should remember that reluctance on Nov. 2.
There's still time and opportunity for public debate. Numerous groups and institutions have issued invitations. Wolfe has accepted them all. Fleischmann has not.
The Republican nominee turned down a chance to appear jointly before the League of Women in Anderson County. A similar invitation from the League of Women Voters in Jefferson County apparently was rejected as well. The Fleischmann camp apparently has failed to respond so far to an invitation to debate later this month at Lincoln Memorial University. It's all consistent with a pattern established after Fleischmann won the GOP nomination in a district so heavily Republican that almost all observers agree that he will be elected.
That doesn't make his refusal to debate correct or honorable. It is a decision that reeks of arrogance and an elitism that ill befits any candidate for office. Still, Fleischmann persists in keeping a low profile.
His refusal to participate in meaningful discussion and debate apparently extends to TV appearances, as well. An invitation to tape a joint appearance with Wolfe for later broadcast, extended by John Becker, a news anchor at WBIR-TV in Knoxville and moderator of the well-respected "Inside Tennessee" program, was turned down by Fleischmann. Rather than appear jointly, Fleischmann requested that he be taped separately. What gall.
Becker correctly rejected that counteroffer. In his response, Becker told Fleischmann that the public affairs program centers on "a discussion and debate among candidates running for office." He added that it is "in the best interest of our viewers to have you appear on the program alongside your Democratic challenger." How true.
Fleischmann doesn't seem to care. Buoyed by polls that show him a winner, the Republican prefers to play coy. When he does appear at the same venue - a rare occurrence - as his opponents, he barely speaks to them and refuses to engage in debate, there or anywhere. There's always an excuse for refusing to do so.
On Tuesday, a Fleischmann spokesman said that there were scheduling conflicts, but that "we do what our schedule allows." Nonsense. A candidate can clear his or her schedule to debate an opponent in public at least a couple of times. Fleischmann won't. That says volumes - none of it good - about the merits of his candidacy.