SMS: Obama vs. McCain
Written by Writer on Friday, October 24th, 2008
SMS: Obama vs. McCain
Fri, 10/24/2008 1:34 PM | Reader’s Forum
Debates between U.S. presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain have given the public insight into the two potential leaders. Should Indonesia introduce such debates?
The debate will be a good source for the public to learn about several character traits of the candidates. But do you not think that the end result of the U.S. election will simply be that a White Anglo-Saxon Protestant will win in the same way a Javanese Muslim always wins here? CORRIE Jakarta
I agree that Indonesia should introduce such presidential debates, because good insights should come not only from domestic channels but also from overseas. RIA DWI ANDRIANI Metro, Lampung
I think Indonesia should introduce debates between presidential candidates, because Indonesians need to know the vision and character the candidates bring to managing this nation and whether they are in line with our expectations. ASTRI AFRIDA SARI Metro, Lampung
Indonesia should introduce debates between presidential candidates. But we should accept the fact that the U.S. only has two political parties, while Indonesia has many.
I think it would be much easier if Indonesia only had two political parties like in the U.S., or three parties like we had in the New Order era.
It would be easy to follow the example of the U.S., and it would be cheap and effective in terms of timing also. DULI MUHLIS MUNAWAR Depok
Campaigns and debates a la the U.S.? No thanks! The amount of money used for campaigns is absurdly high! In Indonesia, corruption would be involved as candidates/parties attempt to get as many votes as possible. MAARTEN Amsterdam
The debates are fabulous although the leaders are often sarcastic to each other. The candidates for the presidency in Indonesia would have to be prepared for criticism and to criticize his or her competitor. TONY DJOGO Cibinong, Bogor
Indonesia should introduce presidential debates because through debates we can understand leaders’ vision, character and temperament. Through debates, we will not make the wrong decision choosing the best candidate as our president. EVI NOFITAWATI Metro, Lampung.
I think Indonesia must have presidential debates like in the U.S., because through debates we can learn positive things from each presidential candidate. YANI WAHYU NINGSIH Metro, Lampung
I think Indonesia should introduce the debates between presidential candidates similar to the U.S. because through them we can learn the mission and perspectives of the candidates. IMAS SUSI YANA Metro, Lampung
Yes, Indonesia should have presidential debates, but first all the candidates must avoid their childish behavior so the debates actually provide good political education for the people. HALIM Jakarta
Indonesia should have presidential debates because presidential candidates should not only speak at campaign sessions, but also in debates. EKA ARIYANTI Metro, Lampung
Indonesia should introduce debates among presidential candidates to prove that our people are ready for democracy and to also make us aware of the quality of our leaders. TONNY SANTOSO Jakarta
Yes, now is the time for Indonesia to have debates between presidential candidates. We need a leader who can explain and defend their vision in public.
If they can’t even articulate their vision or control their attitude in a debate, what kind of leadership can we expect from the person/candidate? VER Jakarta
Debates between presidential candidates in Indonesia would be ineffective. The Indonesian public values form and style more than substance. This attitude is proven by the nomination of so many artists, who have no ideological nor sound political record as legislative candidates. SOEBAGJO SOETADJI Jakarta
Prior to the presidential election, Indonesia must have presidential debates like in the U.S. Such debates will benefit the Indonesian citizens as they will know exactly who their next leader will be and how he or she will lead this country. NOPITA YULIYANTI Metro, Lampung
I think Indonesians will benefit from seeing presidential candidates debate before elections as they will see for themselves how much (or how little) the candidates know about the most important issues facing the country. Local television stations should take the lead and organize these debates. MANNY FRANCISCO Jakarta
I agree that such presidential debates would be perfect for really getting to know our Indonesian presidential candidates. MIZAM RIZKI Metro, Lampung
I agree with the idea of holding presidential debates like the ones held in the United States between Barack Obama and John McCain. The public deserves to know about the candidates’ programs and capabilities. VINA ISMAWARDANI Metro, Lampung
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