Of course, the TV networks could televise their cable rivals, but even conservative talk show hosts acknowledge that such things simply are not done in broadcasting. To allow the format to prevent serious presidential debates would be a travesty. The vice president has said he will debate any time anywhere. And he should live up to that, even if it means compromising with Gov. Bush. His willingness to compromise won't be lost on voters anymore than Gov. Bush's ducking will be.
Real leadership requires honoring obligations and accepting things as they are.
Politicians spend so much time and energy trying to make sure voters don't fully understand what they stand for. In our democracy, one would think it would be the other way around.