This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I recently joined the board of the Utah Debate Commission. I accepted the position for two reasons: I love politics and I believe debates are crucial to the political process.
In today's digital era, voters are arguably less informed, spending little time researching politicians' positions. Americans now rely heavily on media sound bites and biased commentator analysis. Furthermore, pressured by polls, politicians sometimes tailor their message to what they think voters want to hear rather than what they truly believe, making it difficult to really get to know them.
Political debates are perhaps the only remaining unfiltered component of a campaign.
This forum has the most potential to expose the candidates' character, strengths and foibles. Contenders articulate their viewpoints and propose solutions to the most pressing social and economic issues of our time.
Of course the jousting rarely is devoid of rehearsed quips and canned responses. But with repeated criticism from opponents and questions on lingering controversies, we usually get a window into our politicians' real thoughts and beliefs. In these unscripted moments of intense pressure, we can make judgments of their leadership and decisiveness through their responses, their composure and passion. Viewers also have a chance to make a fair comparison between candidates.
The Debate Commission is diligent about increasing Utahns' participation in the political process. Venues are rotated around the state to give more people a chance to participate and the debates are televised and streamed on the Internet. The public is invited to provide questions and help steer the content.
The political season is drawing to a close with the midterm elections approaching. The challenges facing our state and our nation include national security, health care, education, immigration reform and the Ebola virus outbreak threat to our public health.
The candidates we elect will directly impact our lives with the decisions they make in office. It is our moral responsibility to vote. Our Founding Fathers instituted this method as the means for all Americans to contribute to shaping this great nation.
But voting for the sake of voting or blindly checking the ballot along party lines is of no benefit. In the words of Thomas Jefferson, "Democracy demands an informed electorate." It is our duty to elect the best candidate by educating ourselves on the issues, reading published positions and participating in debates.
The debate system is not flawless, but without it we are left with focused group messaging, partisan talking points and attack ads. These tactics can mislead even the most astute citizen.
Corey J. Hodges is the lead pastor of New Pilgrim Baptist Church.