Thinking on feet a modern necessity
Reality television dominates our living rooms and our lifestyles. Water coolers, school yards and senior centers are filled with chatter about whose unscripted song, dance or speech defined them most recently.
Why should GOP politics be excused from this phenomenon? Isn't candidate debate just reality in its simplest form? Anyone can sound intelligent when scripted and most can appear dedicated when directed.
But how in touch are our future representatives if they aren't educated and engaged in America's most popular form of media: the art of thinking on your feet.
The GOP candidates in our 14th Congressional District are all eager to share their resumes, their resources and their goals. Yet only one of them is willing to do so without a team of paid professionals crafting their messages and their movements.
Kevin Burns is the exception. He seems to want to bring small-town, personal politics to Washington. He hosts town hall meetings and has repeatedly urges his opponents to engage in debates.
No, you can't buy your way in debates. And no, you can't bully your way through debates. But you can earn the attention of the voters by being human, sincere and in-touch.
I applaud the efforts of the Burns for Congress team and their desire to pass up political soap operas in favor of a shot at The Amazing Race.
Suzanne Martin
Elgin