Here we get another boneheaded call by the commission on debates

LOCAL LAWMAKERS OBJECT

Bush-Kerry debates conflict with Jewish holy days
BY BRYAN VIRASAMI
STAFF WRITER

August 20, 2004

Several local lawmakers have asked the commission organizing the presidential debates to reschedule, saying two of the clashes are planned for Jewish holy days.

In an Aug. 16 letter signed by 17 state and city lawmakers, the politicians asked the Commission on Presidential Debates to consider changing one of the two fall dates because observant Jews cannot watch television on those days.

"Reading about a debate in the newspapers is no substitute for watching the real thing," the letter said.

Lawmakers who signed the letter, which appeared on the letterhead of Assemb. Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn), included state Sen. Martin Golden (R-Brooklyn), Assemb. Darryl Towns (D-Brooklyn) and Councilman David Weprin (D-Hollis).

"If they can find an alternative, I think that would be good for everybody," Weprin said.

The two debates between Sen. John Kerry, a Democrat, and President George W. Bush, a Republican, fall on Sept. 30 and Oct. 8.

The first, a Thursday, is the holiday of Succot, and the second, a Friday, is the eve of Sabbath, the letter said. There's also a debate on Oct. 13, which is not a conflict for Jews.

Janet Brown, executive director of the Commission on Presidential Debates, based in Washington, said the dates for the 90-minute debates were chosen after a number of considerations that began 18 months ago.

She said officials "took into account religious holidays, government holidays, the opening of the United Nations, existing obligations by the television networks and production requirements in order to identify dates when the largest possible audience would be able to watch and listen to the debates."

Brown said the dates were picked Nov. 6, 2003.
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