Where Was Ben Cline?

John Massoud wants readers to believe the important thing is that candidates simply show up. Whether you call it a debate, a forum, a discussion, or, as he put it, “Tuesday night at the Rotary Club,” he argues that candidates should be willing to stand before the people and make their case.

On that much, we agree. Candidates should show up.

Where we disagree is on whether the format matters. It matters completely.

There is a massive difference between appearing at a curated candidate forum and standing on the same stage with your opponent in an independently moderated debate. The people deserve the opportunity to see both candidates answer the same questions, respond to each other, and defend their records in real time.

Massoud points to Ben Cline’s appearance at the September 3 event hosted by the Small Business Freedom Alliance as evidence of political courage. Massoud also happens to be the Republican District Chairman, and his praise completely ignores his own written rule that politics shouldn’t be about “walking into rooms filled only with people who already agree with you.” Walking into a friendly audience where you control the entire conversation isn’t a debate.

Beth Macy proved she is ready for a real test. When Roanoke College and Cardinal News offered to host a legitimate, independent debate on neutral ground, she stepped up and accepted immediately. Ben Cline did not even respond.

To his credit, Massoud ends his own letter by calling for much the same thing: “Pick a date. Pick a public venue. Find a neutral moderator. Give both candidates rebuttal time. Put two podiums on a stage.”

I agree with him completely.

Roanoke College and Cardinal News already provided the date, the venue, and the neutral moderator. Beth Macy did her part by accepting that invitation. Ben Cline is the only reason those two podiums are sitting empty.

Ben Cline has represented Virginia’s 6th Congressional District for nearly eight years. He has a record in Washington, and the people deserve an opportunity to hear him defend it while standing across from the person asking them to replace him.

If Cline is proud of that record, defend it.

If his record is as strong as Massoud says it is, defend it.

If he believes he deserves another term, stand across from Beth Macy and make that case directly to the people.

Macy should have to do exactly the same thing. She should defend her positions, answer Cline’s challenges, and explain why the people should send her to Washington instead.

No friendly home field for either candidate. No partisan safety net. No campaign surrogates doing the arguing for them. Just two candidates answering questions and defending their positions before the people they want to represent.

Massoud asked, “Where was Beth Macy?”

The facts show she is exactly where she is supposed to be: waiting on a neutral stage for a fair fight.

Step onto the stage, Ben. Face your opponent. Face the people.

Or stop pretending you want a debate and admit you are running from a fair fight.

Kris Nelson
Chair, Warren County Democratic Committee
6th Congressional District Representative, Virginia Women’s Caucus

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