What do Republicans Rep. James Rogan and presidential hopeful George
W. Bush have in common? Could it be that they are apprehensive about
debating their democratic rivals, state Sen. Adam Schiff and Vice
President Al Gore on a level playing field?
The nonpartisan League of Women voters scheduled such Rogan-Schiff
debate and extended invitations to both Rogan and Schiff. Schiff
immediately accepted, but Rogan demurred, claiming "scheduling
conflicts."
As for the traditional nationally televised presidential debates, Gore
immediately accepted. A reply from the Bush camp is conspicuous by its
absence. I suspect that unless Bush can be quickly programmed, their
proposal would be to have it on a single Sunday morning television
station.
Rumblings from Bush's campaign headquarters indicate that he would
also like a change in traditional format. Maybe like having the questions
submitted to each side at least a week in advance?
LOUIS ROBINS
Van Nuys
