Let Us Know

WITH the primary season only months away, the Democratic party needs alternatives to its White House incumbent. But until Sen. Edward M. Kennedy '54 (D-Mass.) says yes or no, the public and the news media will continue to ask "Will he or won't he?" instead of debating questions of greater substance.

Kennedy should make his decision public now. If he announces that he will run, then the guessing game can end and a campaign begin, complete with a debate of the issues and of Kennedy the candidate. If he announces that he will not run, other candidates, now paralyzed by Kennedy's vacillation, could step into the void.

While Kennedy remains undecided, Carter will find it increasingly difficult to govern effectively. He will be punching at air, appearing weak, foolish and undignified. If only to take the nation out of this unreal debate about whether or not he will run, Kennedy should declare his intentions.