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From my perspective, forcing political candidates to hold public question and answer sessions would be utterly redundant. During the present political season, we have been saturated with media from every source and every side. There are plenty of clips and recordings to choose from because candidates have been followed day and night by reporters. We are able to pick and choose our information, where it comes from, and what form it comes in.

We receive positive and negative advertisements from our mail (electronic and analog), radio stations,networks, newspapers, blogs and websites. Political parties are able to congregate and organize across the nation using newsgroups and social networks, recruiting volunteers of every age and walk of life. Because of this abundance of available media, information and participation, there is no reason to hold mandatory campaign press conferences.

If such sessions were required, they would be no different from our televised debates or paid-for TV spots. Candidates and their staff would still offer rehearsed talking points, and repeat the same slogans and sound bites. Their ideas and stances would reflect the information offered on their official websites, almost word for word. Because of this uber-preparation, it is unlikely we would ever see a candidate candidly during a mandatory press conference. It is only on the campaign trail that we see the 'real' candidate, as every gaff and mistake is instantly reported by the ever present news media. Now, after months of rallies and meetings, interviews and investigation, television adds and windshield leaflets, we know more about our candidates and their platforms then at any point in election history.

Before this modern information age, candidates needed to travel the country to hold small town conferences, rallies and debates. It was the only way for citizens to know who they were and what they stood for. Campaigns depended on face to face contact with voters to drum up support, and to collaborate with local groups, industries and unions. Newspapers were the only places where pundits could widely distribute their information, and interviews were done in person. Now, the tables have been turned and voters are the ones pursuing the candidates and digging out the political dirt. Internet and mass media have made it easier and more efficient for us to research, collaborate with, and debate about our elected officials. We know who they are, where they come from, what their favorite food is, how much they spend of clothing, who they hung out with in junior high school, what religion they subscribe to, their racial background, how many houses they own, and much more. Because of this, mandatory press conferences are just not needed. They have been rendered obsolete.

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