To the Journal editor:

This year we have seen how consequential debates between political candidates can be. The debate between President Joe Biden and Donald Trump on June 27, 2024, gave voters an unscripted opportunity to see our 81-year-old president and it raised concern about the decline in his physical and cognitive abilities.

On Sept. 10, Vice President Kamala Harris debated Donald Trump giving voters an opportunity to compare the two candidates. The contrast was not only between a former prosecutor and a convicted felon, it was also a contrast between a 59-year-old candidate who was poised and competent versus a 78-year-old candidate who was confused and unable to explain his positions on issues.

Here in the First Congressional District of Michigan, it would be helpful to have a debate between the 77-year-old incumbent Congressman Jack Bergman and his 38-year-old challenger, Callie Barr. Not only would it provide an opportunity to compare the candidates’ positions and ability to communicate, but it would also let us know if his physical and mental capacities have declined in the years since he first ran for office. While Callie Barr has been visiting nearly every county in the district, meeting with people and listening to their issues, Jack Bergman is rarely seen in the Upper Peninsula. Perhaps his energy level has been diminished by age or other factors, but we are unable to assess this based on his advertising which is scripted and could be misleading.

Furthermore, a debate would allow us to better understand why Jack Bergman voted to overturn the election in 2020 after the assault on the Capital. In addition, a debate would provide the opportunity to contrast Callie Barr’s position in support of women with Jack Bergman’s votes for abortion bans without exception for rape or incest. There are other important issues to explore with both candidates, including infrastructure funding for the UP, support for veterans, reducing the cost of childcare, housing affordability, and increasing the availability of mental health services.

While Callie Barr has made her lifelong residence in the district a centerpiece of her campaign, voters would like to know more about Jack Bergman’s ties to the district. We know he was born, raised and educated in Minnesota. While he owns property near the Wisconsin border, many people in the district think he and his family live in Louisiana. A debate would give him the opportunity to clarify this.

It is my understanding that Callie Barr welcomes a debate, but Jack Bergman has refused. If this is not true, I hope Jack Bergman will come forward and offer to debate while there is still time for voters to make up their minds.

Mim Dixon

Marquette