Why a TV debate could invigorate our politics

By Alex Smith / @alexsmith1982

I’ve just signed Sky News’ petition calling for a televised debate between the leaders of the major political parties ahead of the next general election.

When I was in the States, the presidential election was on the tips of everyone’s tongues for a year or more. Along with the economic crisis, it was the talking point – not just in the halls of power, but in the streets and in the offices. It was inescapable because the people made it so, and by the end of a long, hard campaign, people felt engaged, people felt involved and people felt informed. By the time the votes were cast, not everyone had their wish, but they’d all had their say.

Of course, the televised debates were only a small part of that process of engagement. But they were also a highlight, something to look forward to at the sharp end of the primary and general election campaigns. Was Obama ready? How would he equip himself under high stakes pressure? When posed with straight questions, who would give the straightest answer?

Politics in this country is in a bad state of repair. Debates alone cannot fix the damage of years of abuse and disillusionment. But we have an opportunity to change things, to excite people about and around our democracy, and to have a real debate on the most critical issues, without the arcane rules of PMQs and in a way everybody understands and can have access to. We can surely trust people to watch our leaders make their case, and to make a measured judgement.

I’ve signed this petition because I want our politics and our democracy to be a battle between contrasting visions of the good society, and one which can be debated and discussed in every pub and workplace in the country. Brinding politics to the People again is one way that can happen.

If you support the campaign for TV debates, sign the petition here.