28 Comments
User's avatar
Rebecca's avatar

I am very disappointed by this. Why would Jolly not relish the chance to point out Donalds' lies on a public stage? Yes, you can debate lies, if you're a good debater and have facts to back you up. I hope this doesn't backfire on him, but it's not a good look. 😕

LT's avatar

Thanks for the update and keeping us Floridians in the loop on this… Jolly really needs to debate, oh my gosh, if only to point blank debunk every single lie the entire time

GEORGE Terranova md's avatar

They need to debate. We need candidates with the courage to call out their opponents on stage so we can all see them perform.

Janet Robinson's avatar

I'm surprised at Jolly's decision. The debate is a great idea. Of course, Donalds is full of it, but now people might think that Jolly is too. He might have moved the needle on crossover votes.

MM's avatar

I want to really agree with you, truly, for the same reasons you post. However, I have found these debates, which I always once looked forward to and relied on prior to elections, less helpful to 'meet the candidates', perhaps we need better moderators, less whimsical candidate riles...am unsure. And maybe Jolly is saying he won't contribute in perpetuating the absolute falsehoods given to the public that Donalds makes-up at will, these past months. Instead, candidates need to spend more time meeting the Florida communities, not only on social media I remember working at my Florida college newspaper, when someone unknown, along with 2 other people , walked in to our office and introduced himself with, "Hello, my name is Jimmy Carter, and I am running for president," he said with a nice smile, shaking our hands. And then college journalists sitting there began a slew of questions.

Janet Robinson's avatar

I agree with you. I have not been that interested either since I watched the debate between Hillary Clinton and Trump. The way he followed her around the stage was so creepy, but she was not intimidated by him. No doubt Donalds would be slinging the BS if there was a debate with Jolly.

Jeffrey R Orenstein, Ph.D.'s avatar

I hope Jolly isn't making a mistake here. He could mop up the floor with Donalds.

Loren's avatar

As frustrating as it is to debate a liar and his lies, I believe that it is important to come with the facts, with reality, and state them openly and clearly... Have trust that we, as voters, deserve to hear the truths spoken out loud...

Any person who continues to drink this regime's koolaid won't be swayed, but I'd like to believe that there is an increasing number of voters who are open to hearing and acting on the truth.

MM's avatar

I hope you are right. I thought the same, but then Jeb Bush was elected governor. Again, I thought the same, voters must be paying attention, then Rick Scott became governor (and Senator!). I still believed, surely voters are listening ...and the Desantis was voted as governor.

MM's avatar
Sep 24Edited

AND these are all TWO-TERM Florida givernors! TWICE voted per candidate, TIMES 3 governors.....6 debates were not very helpful to change minds. The risks are much higher now, on November 3.

I am not saying shutdown avenues of reaching voters, am just hoping we all really consider new approaches, there's still time, never too late to change 1 vote, these elections have been running very close.

Sandra Zemba's avatar

I believe this is a critical mistake on Jolly’s part. I have met him in person and he has a winning platform. Donalds’ ads are portraying Byron as an all-American humble politician. Nothing is further from the truth, and his wife’s efforts to undermine public education need to be exposed. Sadly, most voters don’t do their research and believe the lies they hear in these 30 second sound bites. A debate could change minds.

MML's avatar

Frankly, I wish it would be outlawed to to put up negative campaign ads on the tv… I avoid watching any ads that do nothing but sensationalize the “negative aspects of the opposition”… how about instead, you tell me what you plan to DO for your constituents? And I mean really plan to do, not like the current administration who constantly try to tell us that they will release their “plan” in a couple of weeks! I’m sick and tired of being lied to and then told that what I see happening is not happening! I may be getting older, but I am certainly NOT blind!

Mary Ann Lindley's avatar

To those of us from old-school politics this seems like a risk, but I’m not so sure. For GenXers forward, and many others among us who haven’t been inoculated against Short Attention Span Syndrome, debates aren’t a big draw. Unless a candidate, well, appears to have a mild stroke, or otherwise sets their hair on fire, debates aren’t necessarily illuminating. Let the candidates speak to voters via their own avenues, which are myriad, like Mr. Bruce here. Less drama; more to read and ponder.

Donna Nehrich's avatar

Debate his lying a$$!!!

Lewis Pulsipher's avatar

Unfortunately, Florida seems to have vast numbers of people who turned off their thinking brain long ago, and who will believe lie after lie despite the track record of Donalds (constant lies, just like his boss Trump).

Lewis Pulsipher's avatar

Moody is clearly a Trump follower, hence as responsible for the destruction of this country as Trump himself is. Because the Congress could get rid of Trump anytime they wanted, if the GOP was willing.

And I'd bet she never read the Communist Manifesto. What a fool.

Victoria Block's avatar

Jolly should jump at the chance to debate a fascist, not run from him. Very disappointing.

Peter Burkard's avatar

While understanding Jolly's frustration, it is not a good idea for the underdog to step away from debates. He is smarter and has a lot to run on. Just hoping this doesn't backfire or that debate(s) can still happen.

Stephanie's avatar

I strongly feel Jolly should debate Donalds to call him out on his lies. Donalds' commercials run constant (I'm sick of them) and those people who don't stay informed will believe these ads... sad to say :(

Robert Kain's avatar

Jolly is making a mistake by refusing to debate. The ability to do the preparation and deliver words that voters can judge as facts and reality is always a winning strategy ....... this voter needs information about composure, confidence, intellect and personality. If Jolly refuses to debate Donalds will win. I am not a republican but consider Donald's personal appeal, presentation , black Florida constituency and charm as a family man to be advantages.