Veteran political watcher sizes up governor’s debates

J.B. Pritzker and Bruce Rauner
The men running for governor are blasting each other, rather than digging into the issues, when they take the debate stage, according to one Springfield expert. (WJBC file photo)

 

By Dave Dahl

The men running for governor are blasting each other, rather than digging into the issues, when they take the debate stage, according to one Springfield expert.

Former Chicago Sun Times statehouse reporter Charlie Wheeler now runs the public affairs reporting program at the U of I in Springfield. He says the debate moderators should start to be a little bit rude.

“You have to say, now, come on, candidate, that’s political rhetoric. Here’s the problem, give us a straight answer, get away from your talking points. What do you think we need to do? Be honest with the voters,” Wheeler tells WBBM Newsradio.

Should we even pay attention to Thursday’s debate — the third and final debate — in Quincy?

“Oh, sure, just to see if somebody makes a major misstep, makes a mistake.”

Election Day is November Sixth.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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