It's almost over — but do presidential campaigns really have to last so long? John McCain and Barack Obama have been officially campaigning since early 2007. Some other countries select their leaders in a matter of weeks — or a few months.
Tell us what you think. Give us in 200 to 250 words on whether you think the current marathon method of choosing a U.S. president is a worthy test of candidates — or whether there's a better way. We’re looking for two good essays to use in our Sunday Focus report this Sunday. Join a discussion at share.triangle.com/campaign. All letters submitted become the property of The News & Observer.
The political campaigns
The political campaigns should be long enough for the news media to provide fact checks of statements made by the candidates, to provide lengthy interviews and debates and to investigate and pressure them to provide pertinent information about themselves.
Despite the length of this campaign, we still don't know what is in the medical records of John McCain or even Sarah Palin, who could become president.
Apparently the news media are afraid to report on the results of a respected study and report by Mary Hershberger regarding John McCain's role in the tragic explosion on the USS Forrestal, which can be found at: http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/20081007_investigating_john_mccains_tragedy_at_sea/ and is recommended by John Dean.
The public has a special right to know about character issues in any election and the news media have a sacred duty to provide the truth. Anything less results in flawed elected officials who continue to get away with deception in their decisions that affect everyone's lives. Citizens deserve and can handle the truth.