by E K Stapleton

Created on: November 01, 2008

The basic principle of a democratic government is to elect a representative who will best serve the needs and protect the rights of it's people. For a voter to make an informed decision as to whom is most likely to meet this criteria, press conferences allowing questions from the media and public are essential. Permitting candidates to disclose their position in any fashion of their choosing, exposes the public to only what the candidate sees fit to address.

Regardless of the level of government, we need to be certain our elected official can effectively communicate and deal with any situation they are presented. With a well scripted speech in hand, even Forrest Gump could come across as intelligent, confident and capable. We as the voting public must be afforded the opportunity to evaluate a candidate outside of their comfort zone, without the luxury of a pre drafted script on which to rely, to ensure they are equipped with the skills needed to successfully meet our needs. A press conference sheds some light on the candidate, rather than just cast them in the spotlight. Are questions fielded with the elegance and precision of a fine waltz, or is there a lot of side stepping and stumbling over feet when posed with a question that hasn't been clearly spelled out for them?

The freedom to disclose your platform on your own terms could make Ted Bundy seem like a viable candidate. A strong campaign can be built when the public is only privy to what a candidate chooses to address on their agenda. What about issues that are of personal significance to each of us? These can easily get shoved to the back burner, without a press conference, which forces a candidate to assert their position on any issue brought to the forefront. If you're concerned about educational funding, a press conference is a good way to find out if the candidate you're thinking of supporting plans on allowing more budget dollars to be earmarked for academic endeavors, or use the surplus to implement pay increases for civil servants.

When left to their own devices, candidates may offer some insight into their political agenda, but more often than not public appearances are used to serve a different agenda. Finger pointing and mud slinging become common place as candidates try to discredit one another. I for one am not interested in who smoked a joint in high school or who's unwed daughter is expecting a child. This will have no impact on the health care system or eliminating green house gases. We need a leader who can best serve and meet our needs, not one who is affluent in trash talking and digging up dirt. Press conferences ensure political issues are addressed, while keeping personal attacks at a minimum, which in my opinion only discredit the character of the candidate dishing the dirt.

An even playing field is achieved with press conferences. The electoral candidate is afforded the opportunity to make their platform known and voice their intentions, in a public setting. Any misunderstandings or inconsistencies can be cleared up and the record set straight. As each candidate holds a press conference we can form opinions and base selections on actual facts, rather than speculation and second hand information.

For voters to make an informed and unbiased decision, press conferences need to be implemented as part of a political campaign. Those candidates who are up to the governmental task at hand and have a solid platform will stand firm, while those whose platforms are flawed and cracked will be weeded out as undesirable.

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