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It’s not possible for most people to attend every candidate appearance, forum and debate.

And it’s understandable that the candidates can’t help but repeat the same things to multiple audiences — even the same lame jokes.

But, by now, the gubernatorial contest between Democratic primary front-runners Mufi Hannemann and Neil Abercrombie has settled into a rather consistent rhythm.

That rhythm was evident again Wednesday at a forum sponsored by the Hawaii Publishers Association.

Let’s boil it down to the particulars:

Leadership

Abercrombie thinks it’s about listening to constituents, while Hannemann believes it’s about being a CEO. Abercrombie wants to appeal to people who feel left out of the governmental process, while Hannemann wants people to feel comfortable with a strong man in charge.

To that end, Hannemann repeatedly dismisses Abercrombie’s 20 years in Congress as a guy that merely had to vote “aye” or “nay,” while Abercrombie argues Hannemann’s accomplishments as mayor are not as great as he says they are — e.g., sewer problems, unfinished rail.

Style

No one would ever mistake Abercrombie for a shy man afraid to express his views. But he also strives to show humility.

He demonstrated that Wednesday when asked what he was most proud of in his years in public office. He said he believes government is about collaboration, not about bragging. “My proudest achievement is to have the faith of a constituency to occupy office,” he said, adding that he may not always have voted correctly or had the best judgment. “I have been so proud to serve and done my best.”

That was at least in part a dig at Hannemann, who is not known for acknowledging failure (although he is quick to share credit with his staff and others with whom he agrees). When asked the same question about proud accomplishments, he responded that he had left Honolulu Hale in a better place that when he found it.

Background

Hannemann makes it seem like he’s closer to Barack Obama (and the White House) than Abercrombie. He also talks — and talks and talks — about how his parents immigrated to Hawaii and how he attended public school in Kalihi. He’s proud of his local roots and his friendship with the president of United States, someone whom other Democrats are keeping an arms length from. He’s showing he’s loyal.

While Hannemann has come under fire for playing the local card — e.g., that his skin is brown and that he was born in the islands — the message resonates among certain voters. He seems to be connecting with more voters on a personal level than Abercrombie — who, in fact, is one of the most personable around in person and (when he wants to be) on the stump.

Abercrombie does not talk as much about where he grew up or about the experiences that shaped him into the politician he is today. Yet, they must have been tremendous, including the experience of moving to Hawaii just after statehood to protesting during the Vietnam War to witnessing the Watergate scandal that erupted just as Abercrombie was entering politics.

Abercrombie doesn’t often bring up his relationship with Obama, though he knew his parents. It’s a curious omission of what could be a strong playing card in the campaign. Perhaps it is his humility, his reluctance to talk too much about his self (the old “loud-mouthed” haole label).

Answering Questions

Give Hannemann 90 seconds to answer a question and he will take two minutes or more. Abercrombie tends to stop under the timeline. This makes it seem, depending on your point of view, that Hannemann has more to say and Abercrombie has less, or that Abercrombie follows rules.

Both sometimes have problems answering directly. In Hannemann’s case, he danced yet again around a question on what he would do if a civil unions bill landed on his desk next year as governor. Instead, he said marriage was between a man and a woman, that people should not be discriminated against and that Obama and Joe Biden oppose gay marriage.

Abercrombie said he would sign civil unions into law.

But Abercrombie did not have a good answer for how he would diversify the economy in the wake of the death of Act 221 and its tax credits for high-tech companies.

Hannemann, meanwhile, was vague on whether he supported an appointed school board, how he would improve schools and whether he would implement performance standards. “My style requires standing side by side,” he said, before evoking a sports metaphor — “I’ll do the blocking, I’ll be your champion” — and suggesting people check out his 10-point plan.

Answering the same question, Abercrombie contrasted himself with Hannemann by saying running schools does not merely require a top-down approach. Decentralization was needed, as was accountability. “That’s why the teachers gave me their support,” he said.

Let Them Debate

Soon, ballots will be in the mail and people will be deciding how to vote on Sept. 18.

Until that time, why not let these two men go at each other one on one, with a moderator only keeping things on track?

The most insightful moments in this campaign have come when the candidates have challenged each other and responded directly on stage — not from radio and TV ads. That was seen Wednesday when Hannemann and Abercrombie debated over whether there are enough debates. (Abercrombie wants more of them. Hannemann says he has a busy schedule.)

Hawaii’s voters deserve an unvarnished, unscripted free-for-all.