The debate was sponsored by Community News. Apparently he was met by protesters who questioned his record and integrity. His excuse was unable to stay, because he had to attend a fundraiser. As FM mentioned, Smitherman dropped the ball with this one, as he would have been best to be a "no...
I agree with the second poster. Leave it all behind, you can always make money. Coupled with the fact that each item will be a memory of her, by letting her have it all, they become memories of you.