Sentinel Colorado, publishing Colorado Newsline, reports that U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper has skipped a series of debates and forums with Democratic primary challenger Julie Gonzales while maintaining a heavy lead in the Senate race. The article says Gonzales’ campaign listed at least seven events proposed by Democrats, media outlets, and advocacy groups in the final weeks before the June 30 primary, and Hickenlooper’s representatives did not dispute that list.
That is incumbent entitlement with a tie loosened. Hickenlooper may be cruising. He may have the money, the name ID, the donor network, the familiar Colorado brand, and enough political furniture in storage to furnish three statewide campaigns. But that is exactly why skipping debates stinks. If you want the job, stand in front of voters and answer questions. Colorado is not supposed to be a Senate seat held in escrow by consultants.
The Bullet Point Brief
- Hickenlooper declined DemFest’s Senate candidate forum and has skipped other proposed forums and debates. Democracy is apparently sacred right up until it conflicts with a scheduler and a polling memo.
- Gonzales says Hickenlooper’s advisors are probably telling him he does not have to debate. That is campaign math, not public service. Voters are not extras in a campaign commercial.
- Hickenlooper’s campaign says he has been active statewide with grassroots events, forums, protests, rallies, interviews, questionnaires, roundtables, and picket lines. Fine. Then show up for a direct exchange with the person on the ballot against you.
- The article notes Hickenlooper has a massive money advantage, with more than $6.8 million raised by the end of March compared with Gonzales’ $443,000. Paid media can introduce a candidate. It should not replace accountability.
- In 2020, Hickenlooper debated Andrew Romanoff multiple times when he was also favored. This year, apparently, the cardboard cutout has better attendance.
My Bottom Line
This is not Watergate. It is not a secret scandal. It is just another example of the permanent political class deciding voters can have a yard sign and like it.
Hickenlooper has been around forever. Denver mayor. Governor. Senator. Familiar face. Comfortable brand. Safe donor network. That does not reduce his obligation to face voters. It increases it. Longevity in office should come with more scrutiny, not a permission slip to duck the room.
The advisor-class logic is obvious: why risk a debate when you already have the lead? Why give the challenger oxygen? Why create a clip? Why let voters see a real contrast when you can buy ads, issue statements, and keep the campaign wrapped in bubble wrap until Election Day?
Because the job belongs to the people, that’s why.
A real primary deserves a real exchange, even if the incumbent thinks the outcome is baked. Voters deserve to hear the candidates debate health care, energy, taxes, immigration, foreign policy, affordability, and whether Colorado’s Democratic establishment still thinks public office is something voters rent from them every six years.
Hickenlooper may win easily. That does not make ducking debates look smart. It makes it look entitled. And Colorado has had more than enough politicians who treat public scrutiny like an optional accessory.
Source: The Sentinel
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