Debate topics must not be confused with debate conditions.
The candidates in Missouri's governor's race now are debating about whether they will continue to debate.
The disconnect ensued after Democrat Chris Koster notified Republican Eric Greitens that Greitens must release his tax returns as a condition for further debate negotiations.
Our readers are aware that release of tax returns has been a hot topic in the U.S. presidential campaign between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump. But it has not been a condition for continued debates.
The letter to Greitens from Koster's campaign characterized release of the tax returns as an "absolute condition" for debate negotiation. The candidates debated last week at the Missouri Press Association convention in Branson and are scheduled to participate in a televised debate on Oct. 14.
Koster's campaign manager Andrew P. Whalen, wrote: "Only with such candid disclosure is it possible for Mr. Greitens to provide the voters an equivalent assurance, as has Attorney General Koster, that no conflict or inconsistency exists between Mr. Greitens' actual financial history, his campaign's rhetoric, and his suitability to act as Governor."
Greitens' campaign responded with hyperbole rivaling Koster's "absolute" condition. Greitens campaign alleged his opponent "terrified of debating" Greitens because Koster "knows Missouri deeply disagree with his liberal positions and are tired of his record of epic failures."
We understand Koster's concern. Release of his opponent's tax return would level the playing field for upcoming debates by providing both candidates with equivalent information.
And, in the interest of transparency, we encourage Greitens to release his tax return.
His continued refusal would be an appropriate debate topic, but ought not be a deal-breaker for more debates.
Let us be clear. This issue has nothing to do with our support for either candidate. Instead, it has everything to do with our support for the public's right to know more about the person they will select to lead our state.
It's time for both candidates to dispense with the hyperbole and debate the issues faced by Missourians.