There's an old saying that goes something like "never trust the media." At New Times, we take axioms as seriously as anybody. We don't even trust each other. For instance, the lunch I put in the fridge? It's a decoy. My real lunch is in the rafters. See how you like Spoiled Tuna Surprise, thieves.
Which is why we're always confused when people call on the media to fix their problems -- especially when it's a U.S. senatorial candidate. I received an email from Libertarian candidate Alexander Snitker this morning, publicizing his call
to Gov. Charlie Crist, Kendrick Meek, Marco Rubio, and Jeff Greene for
weekly "Friday Night Fights" debates. These throwdowns "should include
all candidates, regardless of party affiliation." That is to say, no
one's taking Snitker seriously, and he's not getting airtime in
high-profile events.
"Snitker showed up the other day at a
meeting of the Florida Society of News Editors, which was hearing from
the 'legitimate' Senate candidates, and even we wouldn't let him talk. He isn't high enough in the polls," wrote Howard Toxler for the St. Petersburg Times.
So
what's a discounted underdog to do? Well, Snitker wants these
all-inclusive debates. And which altruistic wells should these debates
spring forth from? "Snitker is calling on the media... to host the
debates," said campaign spokesperson Adrian Wyllie in the news
release, and furthermore, "Snitker calls on the potential organizers to
make sure the rules are clearly defined in advance to allow for a fair
process."
To be fair, it seems like the Whig Party-endorsed
Snitker's only option. None of his "rivals" have returned his phone
calls. The best he got was a "no comment" from the Rubio campaign, and
since Snitker calls out the candidates for blowing money on a TV ad
arms race, we're guessing he's not rolling in it. It's also true that the Palm Beach Post
has hosted a debate between Meek and Greene. Maybe some media pressure
would get Snitker's message out, even if it was promptly shut down.
Sadly for Snitker, though, New Times
won't be able to hold these Friday Night Fights, because not even in
the name of democracy are we willing to work on Friday nights.
