One of the key objectives of any political columnist is to look between the lines of spin, get the facts right, and sometimes advocate for a position.  As a publisher and as a columnist, as many readers know, I have not supported any candidate unlike other publications.  That is far from the case in Louisiana where many written publications support candidates in their writings. 

I do not have to be fair, but I try to be.  Look around the Internet and you will see many web sites, email newsletters and even newspaper publications that hardly show anything but bias.  One publisher even acted as a gubernatorial campaign treasurer and then transition team head.  Now, that is real objectivity in action, right?

So, early this week, I was a little surprised when I received a press release from the John Kennedy campaign saying he wanted to reiterate his position that he wants televised debates in every Louisiana Congressional District.

Instead of his campaign contacting Mary Landrieu and working out dates to achieve exactly what he wanted—televised debates covering every congressional district in Louisiana , he sent a letter to Mary Landrieu and then released it concurrently to the media that suggested that Landrieu was not being cooperative in debating.  Yesterday, he said he was ready to debate next week.

Not only did Kennedy not consult with the Landrieu campaign beforehand, but, it had not secured any dates from television networks for the so-called debates. 

This, in my view was pure political showmanship and spin.

The only attempt to promote debates along the line of what Kennedy wanted was a statement by him in a newspaper a month ago.  So, instead of contacting the Landrieu campaign, calling a meeting, sitting down with television networks, Kennedy sent out a press release and simultaneously whined about Landrieu not responding to his call for debates.  In my books, this is unfair political theater and borders on the ficticious.

To his credit, urging debates is a good thing for it promotes democracy. 

Today, the Kennedy campaign is promoting a “debate watch clock”.  I must ask, again:  Where was this clock when Governor Jindal was running for office last year?   Why was John Kennedy silent as a lamb on the issue of gubernatorial debates?

Why was the GOP silent last year on the issue of Gubernatorial debates but yesterday send out an emailer listing as Landrieu’s “worst week” an article suggesting that she was evading debates.  The Louisiana GOP had ample opportunity to speak out to promote debates during the gubernatorial year but was totally mute because their objective was to win, not to do what was right.

As I mentioned, I believe that US Senator Landrieu should debate as frequently as possible.  I fully understand she is attempting to build on her Congressional coalition to expanding the “Gang of 10” and fix the energy problem, but, Louisiana wants to hear her go head to head with John Kennedy.

And Kennedy should not insult the people of Louisiana to think that the only debates should be on television in the Congressional Districts.   Instead of putting up a clock indicating that Landrieu is evading debates, he should do what he says he wants and debate.  Which is understandable why he was unwilling to discuss the issues with Senator Landrieu this week.  According to the Landrieu campaign,  in pertinent parts “Meanwhile, Senator Landrieu's opponent and his partisan allies are relentless in trying to distort her record.  Louisianians deserve a fair campaign about the candidates' records and visions for the future. Senator Landrieu is ready to discuss her winning battles on behalf of our state, which is why she will attend the Louisiana Municipal Association Annual Convention this weekend. John Kennedy had the opportunity to share a stage with Senator Landrieu and discuss the issues facing Louisiana's voters with mayors from across the state, but he decided instead to attend a Hot Air Balloon Festival in Baton Rouge.”

So, both candidates, let’s start the debates, not just on television and not just in October, and not in the media using press releases, but now in public on the side of the roads and in the air (as in television and media airwaves, not balloons).

Landrieu’s Bush Statement

I must admit that when I read Mary Landrieu’s statement yesterday thanking President Bush for using his power under the WRDA Act to extend the Louisiana repayments from 3 to 30 years, she did not use the best of political etiquette.  In thanking President Bush for removing a heavy burden, she said, ““I of course would have preferred that the President had taken this step sooner, and worked with our delegation rather than against us on the Supplemental bill, but am nonetheless grateful for this decision.”. 

I fully understand Landrieu’s frustration concerning President Bush and this recovery.  Many times I have written that Bush has been extremely slow to do what is right.  Even Governor Jindal a few weeks ago said he had spoken to the administration about the levee construction repayment and did not understand why there was no action.  But, Jindal is not running for US Senate this year, nor am I.  Landrieu needs to hone in her sarcasm and animus if she wants to win in Louisiana.  Without doubt, Landrieu was extremely instrumental in helping with this legislation and with the recovery, in general.  But, being harsh will not help her at all with the swing voters whom she needs to win what now appears to be a close election.

Jindal

I would not be able to close this column without thanking President Bush for using his powers to extending Louisiana’s repayment and to thank Governor Bobby Jindal for standing for Louisiana and subtlety confronting the President on the levee construction issue.  After doing so a few Fridays ago, I said Jindal had hit a homerun for his knowledge and passion on this issue.  After yesterday’s announcement that President Bush would extend the repayment, I would call his actions and those of many a “grand slam”.    Jindal, Landrieu, and all of the Louisiana delegation went to bat to apply pressure and made the argument which will help Louisiana enormously.  Governor Jindal, President Bush and the Louisiana delegation should be thanked, and in my small way, I am doing it here—at least for me. 

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