When we chose to start this cause, we didn’t realize we’d end up following the twists and turns of one of the more idiotic races in recent memory. Remember the whole debate thing, where Shuler couldn’t do it because he doesn’t work on Sundays? Well, they finally set up a debate — a radio debate. How did it go? Before we tell you, just remember that both candidates are using the same playbook:

1. Pretend you want a debate
2. Find some way of not having a debate
3. Blame the other guy not having a debate

After the jump, you can read each side’s version of #3. Please note — those with a weak stomach for political double talk may not want to bother.

Bah — we hope they both lose.

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First the Shuler side. You can read more of his side on Scrutiny Hooligans.

Taylor Ducks Debate at Last Minute
Thinks Rules Don’t Apply to Him

Asheville, NC – Today, Heath Shuler was in the WWNC radio studio for his scheduled debate with Charles Taylor. Charles Taylor, however, failed to follow the rules and show up.

“I am extremely disappointed that Charles Taylor failed to show up for the scheduled debate today. I have attended eight debates throughout this district over the past few months that Mr. Taylor has failed to attend. Today, I was at WWNC for my ninth debate, and once again Charles Taylor failed to show up — just as he has failed to show up for the working families of this district for the past sixteen years.” said Shuler.

“Matt Mittan and the staff of AM 570 WWNC did a fine job of putting together this debate for the people of Western North Carolina. It is terribly unfortunate that Charles Taylor has once again decided that he doesn’t need to follow the rules. That’s the problem with Charles Taylor, he thinks the rules don’t apply to him.”

The rules of the debate were agreed to several days ago. The rules stated that both candidates would be in the WWNC studio with one staff member. Candidates would then answer questions from the listeners that had been emailed to Matt Mittan, the host and moderator. Both campaigns had agreed that the debate would take place between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. Charles Taylor did not inform Mr. Mittan and WWNC until 12:30 p.m. today that he would not be in the studio for the debate as he had agreed.

“It would have been unacceptable for Charles Taylor to sit hidden somewhere with his staff feeding him answers and talking points. That is not a debate,” Shuler continued. “There have been many lies told about me during this campaign, and I wanted to see if Charles Taylor would look me in the eye and repeat those same lies.”

Now, the Taylor side. You can read more of this perspective from Thunder Pig.

A Missed Opportunity for WNC

Today was the day when the voters of WNC were to have — at long last — the opportunity to evaluate, side-by-side, two competing visions for our region’s future: mine, and that of my opponent in this Congressional race.

Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. Five minutes into our discussion this afternoon, Heath Shuler chose to end the debate and walked out of the studio.

Mr. Shuler objected to the fact that I was not appearing in person in WWNC’s Asheville studio, but had rather called in by phone from the studio of WHKP in Hendersonville to participate. As I had previously informed Matt Mittan and his staff, I had a commitment to meet with some homeschool students in Hendersonville, and was concerned that I would not be able to make it to the Asheville radio station in time for the 3:00 pm start.But this debate was important to me, and to the people of this region. I made sure I was available on air to talk to Matt, my opponent, and the voters of WNC.

In a purely political move, Mr. Shuler delivered his opening statement and then promptly took off his headphones and exited the Asheville studio. WWNC then disconnected my phone call — this was fair, since the debate was clearly at an end. I was fortunate, however, that the staff of WHKP allowed me to remain on the air, and I proceeded to take calls and respond to their listeners for the next forty-five minutes.

I deeply regret that the voters of this district will not have the opportunity to evaluate my platform, and my opponent’s, in a direct and forthright manner.This is the second time that Mr. Shuler has put an end to efforts to organize a debate.

I want to make one thing perfectly clear: the blame for today’s events do not lie with Matt Mittan, or the staff of WWNC — they are to be commended for their work in putting together a forum for an important political discussion. The decision to walk away from today’s debate rests squarely on the shoulders of Heath Shuler.

My pledge to you is that I will continue sharing my vision for the future of our region, directly and candidly — whether walking WNC’s neighborhoods to meet with you in person, appearing on radio and television call-in programs, or hosting tele-town hall meetings in which you are invited to participate. You deserve no less from your elected representative.

May God continue to bless you and your family.

– Charles