Obama shirks debate challenge

Would we really learn anything that might shape our votes next Tuesday should New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama debate again?

We don't know, and apparently won't have an opportunity to find out. That's because Obama has rejected Clinton's challenge for another debate, in the Lincoln-Douglas style of two candidates taking on each other without the benefit (or detriment) of a moderator.

We like the idea. That would get us away from complaints voiced by both campaigns following their last debate, in Pennsylvania. We also like the idea of having a presidential debate in the Hoosier state; of course, we'd be OK if the event were staged in North Carolina, which also will conduct its primary on May 6.

With public opinion polls apparently fluctuating in recent weeks, it appears there are many Hoosiers who have perhaps yet to make up their minds on for whom they'll vote Tuesday. So maybe another debate would prove helpful. But don't hold you're breath.