For somebody who touts his military service (of subpoenas) constantly to make us think he's tough as steel, Steve Buyer sure can be creampuff. Remember in 2006 when Buyer refused to debate David Sanders, his Democratic opponent, because he was "mean-spirited?"
Now Buyer says there will only be one debate with his current opponent, Nels Ackerson, because Ackerson allegedly violated a debate rule, though Ackerson has no idea what Buyer is talking about, nor does anybody in the 4th District. Buyer is supposed to issue a statement to clarify what he meant. Word on the street is that Buyer was upset that the Ackerson campaign advertised the debate, which was hosted before the Indiana Farm Bureau. WHAT!?!?!? Yes, you read this correctly. Buyer was upset the Ackerson was telling people they were going to debate. Umm....isn't that the point of a debate? To get people to attend so, ya know, they can educate themselves?
Anytime somebody attacks Buyer's positions, voting record, or the fact that he pledged to serve only six years in Congress over sixteen years ago, Buyer takes his ball and goes home. Certainly, any campaign can decide debate schedule, and it is a tactic used by both parties' candidates who are leading to duck debates for fear of saying something stupid. But you'll see me call out my own party members when they don't debate. You'll also see me give credit to "poll leaders," such as Mitch Daniels, when they agree to debate when they have, ostensibly, a lot to risk in doing so.
Sure, some candidates or elected officials might be extremely knowledgeable and completely in tune with their constituents and still come off poorly for want of television polish. I get that. But
debating is part of the ritual that is running for public office, and if an elected official cannot withstand the intensity of public scrutiny and criticism, I find myself questioning whether (s)he is up to the job. You have to have a thick skin in politics, or you'll start acting out in vindictive and petty ways against political opponents that will compromise your constituents' best interests. And that's what bothers me about Buyer. He's too sensitive, and as a result, he suffers from podium cowardice.
That's why I'm about to utter probably my most "mean spirited" remark of the year:
Congressman Buyer, grow a set.
