Two debates off? Thank goodness

Scripps Howard News Service

Hard-core political junkies and Newt Gingrich were undoubtedly disappointed when CNN cancelled its scheduled March 1 debate in Georgia. GOP state chair Sue Everhart called it “truly disheartening.”

At least some part of the country, however, is surely relieved that it can skip its civic responsibilities and watch college basketball or “30 Rock” instead. After all, there have already been 20 debates. The candidates’ positions are well known and what little suspense there is depends on one of the candidates doing or saying something stupid.

CNN pulled the plug when Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum and Ron Paul, three of the four remaining survivors, begged off. Newt Gingrich had agreed — it’s his home state, after all — and probably would have been willing to carry the evening singlehandedly.

Gingrich uncharitably suggested Romney’s absence was because he preferred to be off to Wall Street to raise money. But the cancellation of the CNN debate and a planned MSNBC debate likely had to do with the impending Super Tuesday on March 6, with 10 state primaries or caucuses.

Debates are still on for Feb. 22 and March 18.

The debates are a curious custom. True, the voters get to know the candidates and get a feel for them in action, but the debates test nothing a president does in office. If he has any kind of a staff, he doesn’t have to think on his feet. Everything is scripted for him. People don’t even argue with the president unless he goads them into it.

While a credible debate performance helps a candidate some, a simple slip can be fatal. Rick Perry’s campaign was over when he had his “Oops!” moment and couldn’t remember one of the three Cabinet departments he would abolish.

The long slog of debates provides the opposition with an arsenal of ammo for the fall campaign. Mitt Romney’s gift for infelicitous phrasing — “I like to fire people” — will surely dog him.

Meanwhile, Sue Everhart, be of good cheer. The Georgia Bulldogs are playing at Kentucky March 1. Should be a good game.