For a non-politician, Rick Snyder is doing a masterful job of manipulating the electoral system and reading the polls. His recent move to agree to one debate after shutting down negotiations with the Bernero campaign, should raise a red flag on the current favorite to be Michigan’s next Governor. Snyder has a vague ten point plan, but has yet to do anything to show real courage. The “tough nerd” has yet to behave in a way that is “tough.” He avoided debates during the primary, and to my knowledge, has yet to speak before an audience that contain his critics. How can we trust his ability to work with the legislature and “reform government” if he cannot outdebate Lansing’s mayor or speak to a critical audience.
Make no mistake, I don’t write here to proclaim Virg Bernero as the next savior of Michigan. Yet, I do give him credit for taking action. He saw a roadblock to debates and was aggressive in his work to engage Snyder. He has shown himself willing to speak before any crowd, at any time. His personality has shown toughness, something he deserves credit for.
In the early 1960s, John Kennedy and Barry Goldwater (two men with strong differences of opinion) agreed to campaign for the Presidency together, speaking before crowds to articulate their differences. This proposal for real education of the public about who to vote for is sadly missing in a place that needs leadership, Michigan. I hear the arguments made against debates, that they are no more than glorified campaign commercials. If that’s what Snyder is trying to avoid, why not make a proposal to change the rules and create a real debate? That would be a stronger statement of leadership that avoidance.
Refusing, or avoiding debates is the weakest move a politician can make. Don’t look now, but the “outsider” shows a real knowledge of how to work the system.
