“The floor’s all yours, Dan.”
“Barbara Hunter has just issued a press release challenging Fletcher to a debate. Presumably I tell her to get lost, and add that it’s a sign of someone who is desperate and knows they are going to lose. That’s what you always did.”
Harry was silent for a moment. “You’re right, Dan, I did,” he eventually said, “but only because I was the incumbent and treated her as an upstart. In any case, I had nothing to gain from a debate, but that situation has changed now that we’re fielding an unknown candidate, so I think we need to discuss the idea more fully before we come to any conclusion. What are the advantages and disadvantages? Opinions?” he said. Voices all started speaking at once.
“Gives our man more exposure.”
“Gives her the center stage.”
“Proves we have the outstanding debater, which because of his youth will come as a surprise.”
“She knows the local problems—we could look inexperienced and ill-informed.”
“We look young, dynamic, and energetic.”
“She looks experienced, canny and seasoned.”
“We represent the youth of tomorrow.”
“She represents the women of today.”
“Fletcher could wipe the floor with her.”
“She wins the debate, and we lose the election.”
“Well, now we’ve heard the committee’s views, perhaps it’s time to consider the candidate’s,” said Harry.
“I’m quite happy to debate with Mrs. Hunter,” said Fletcher. “People will assume she’s more impressive simply because of her past record and my lack of experience, so I must try and turn that to our advantage.”
“But if she outshines you on local issues, and makes it look as if you’re just not ready to do the job,” said Dan, “then the election will be over in one evening. Don’t think of it as a thousand people in a hall. Try to remember that the whole event would be covered by local radio and television, and is certain to be plastered over the front page of the Hartford Courant the following morning.”
“But that could work to our advantage as well,” said Harry.
“I agree,” said Dan, “but it’s one hell of a risk to take.”
“How long have I got to think about it?” asked Fletcher.
“Five minutes,” said Harry, “perhaps ten, because if she’s issued a press statement, they’ll want to know our immediate response.”
“Can’t we say we need a little time to think about it?”
“Certainly not,” said Harry, “that would look as if we’re debating the debate, and in the end you’d have to give in, so she then wins both ways. We either turn it down firmly, or accept it with enthusiasm. Perhaps we should take a vote on it,” he added, looking around the table. “Those in favor?” Eleven hands shot up. “Against?” Fourteen hands were raised. “Well, that’s the end of that.”
“No, it isn’t,” said Fletcher. Everyone seated around the table stopped talking and looked at the candidate. “I am grateful for your opinions, but I do not intend to spend my political career being run by a committee, especially when the vote is that close. Dan, you will issue a statement saying I’m delighted to accept Mrs. Hunter’s challenge, and look forward to debating the real issues with her, rather than the political posturing that the Republicans seem to have specialized in from the start of this campaign.” There was a moment’s silence, before the room broke into spontaneous applause.
Harry smiled. “Those in favor of a debate?” Every hand shot up. “Those against?” None. “I declare the motion carried unanimously.”
“Why did we have a second vote?” Fletcher asked Harry as they left the room.
“So that we can tell the press that the decision was unanimous.”
Fletcher smiled as they headed toward the station. Another lesson learned.
A team of twelve canvassed the station every morning, most of them handing out leaflets, while the candidate shook hands with the early commuters leaving the city. Harry had told him to concentrate on those going into the station, because they almost certainly lived in Hartford, whereas those coming o
ff the trains probably didn’t have a vote in the constituency.
“Hi, I’m Fletcher Davenport…”