Editorial: Acton debate decision damaging

An accepted political wisdom and expected candidate conduct has been 'If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen,' since President Harry S. Truman uttered the phrase during turbulent times in office. Amy Acton, Democratic nominee for Ohio governor, falls far short of that standard in refusing two debate opportunities against Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy, which raises legitimate questions about her political acumen and leadership ability. The Acton campaign says 'Dr. Acton's focus is on talking with Ohioans, not platforming a scam artist who spreads baseless lies about her and her family.' Advertisement Read more Blade editorials Unless Dr. Acton is exceptionally weak, turning down a national debate platform on CNN and a statewide broadcast debate originating in Cincinnati make no political sense. The Ramaswamy campaign has a massive money advantage. If advertising dominates, Mr. Ramaswamy will be able to steer the issues to his benefit. A widely seen debate is an equalizer that would negate much of Mr. Ramaswamy's monetary advantage. It's an opportunity for the Acton campaign that is only provided because the race is uncommonly close. Advertisement If Mr. Ramaswamy is spreading 'baseless lies,' Dr. Acton is foolish not to accept the opportunity to turn those claims against him. Moreover, Mr. Ramaswamy is vulnerable on policy proposals covering taxes, spending, consolidation of universities, and grandiose population projections. But, Mr. Ramaswamy has the heart to lead, the courage to be in the arena that Dr. Acton is missing. It amplifies and validates GOP claims that Dr. Acton is a 'quitter' who left the Ohio Department of Health when the coronavirus policies she advocated became controversial. It may well be that Toledo's long serving Congressman Marcy Kaptur provided the example Dr. Acton is copying. In 2024, Ms. Kaptur refused to debate Republican Derek Merrin in a forum proposed by The Blade and Buckeye Broadband, also claiming to be the victim of 'lies' in campaign commercials. We found that to be a highly disappointing blemish on Representative Kaptur's record, but it is far less serious shortcoming for one member of a 435 person legislative body than it is for the chief executive of a massive state like Ohio. Ohio's next governor will well understand the sign on President Truman's desk, 'the buck stops here.' Some very tough decisions await whoever voters make governor. Dr. Acton raises serious doubt about her ability to not only handle the pressure of those big decisions but also to use the bully pulpit of her office to build public support for her proposals. If Amy Acton doesn't have the skill set to handle a debate, she should never have run for governor of Ohio.