Parker tries to pull a fast one

Here’s a small lesson in massaging the press and the public.

Democratic candidate Cherelle Parker tries to pull a fast one. (Photo: Billy Penn)

I gave credit yesterday to the Inquirer for smoking out Cherelle Parker, the Democratic candidate for mayor who had been ducking demands that she debate David Oh, the Republican candidate.

In my closing comment, I asked that there be a couple more debates.

In its reporting on the scheduled debate — Oct. 26 at 8 a.m. on KYW Newsradio — the Inquirer noted Parker had been laying low lately, and it raised the question of additional debates.

“Parker spokesperson John Dolan indicated the KYW debate will not be the only time the candidates meet up,” the newspaper reported, and I have added helpful italics.

The news story continued: “‘We’re in touch with other organizations, working out scheduling and logistics for several public events that’ll feature both Mr. Oh and Cherelle,’ Dolan said Tuesday.”

You get that? You see the sleight of hand? The slippery language intended to mislead?

Candidates “meeting up” and being at the same place does not mean a “debate.”

It could be separate speeches, it could mean handshakes only, it could be serving draft beer, it could mean anything.

It does not mean a debate — and the Inquirer, and the Committee of Seventy, and the League of Women Voters should not let Cherelle Parker get away with it.

The next mayor will be the 100th.

As the Inquirer itself said, Philadelphians deserve to hear the candidates’ plans for the city they hope to lead.