News-Record.com

I don't write about national politics, so I won't be covering tonight's debate between President Bush and Sen. Kerry. (Given my fatigue level, I might just tape it and go to bed early.)

But I've covered such a debate before, in 1988, when George H.W. Bush and Michael Dukakis met at Wake Forest University. Afterward, I got my first and what I hope will be my last exposure to Spin Alley, the place where each candidate's backers gather immediately after the debate to "spin" the results to journalists. The only good thing about the experience was that there was free food and beer.

There are so many problems with the whole notion of Spin Alley that I hardly know where to begin describing them. Fortunately, Jay Rosen of PressThink already has done so. He also reports the heartening news that at least one reporter for a major media outlet, Adam Nagourney of The New York Times, won't even be attending the debate in person but will be watching it on TV in Washington, so as to play hooky from Spin Alley. I wish every journalist would do the same.

In fact, I wish every voter would do the same, because Spin Alley isn't set up to benefit voters or the news media or anyone else except the candidates. Indeed, turn off the picture on your TV and just listen to what the two candidates say. Then, once the debate ends, turn off the TV and think back on what you heard. Which candidate's arguments were more factual? (You might want to spend some time online with Google to determine who was telling the truth and who wasn't on any particular subject.) Which candidate's argument was more logical? Which candidate sounded better prepared? Given the stilted format -- more joint press conference than debate -- it might be tough, but give it a shot.

Then, when you've done all that? Come to your own conclusions. Trust your own judgment. You're a citizen in the greatest republic in history. Spin Alley is not qualified to tell you what to think, so don't even give it the chance.