Posted on 09/02/2007 11:26:56 AM PDT by Josh Painter
Earlier today, I noted Fred Thompson's sponsorship of the Fox broadcast of the next Republican debate, and called it a "shrewd move", which resulted in some, ahem, mixed reviews from CQ readers. It occurred to me that I hadn't explained why I found Thompson's tweak of the debate such a sound move, or at least not in quite a while...
Put simply, presidential debates are disasters waiting to happen to candidates. Good things almost never happen at them, and the format is calculated to play gotcha games with candidates in both parties. It forces a "lightning round" mentality onto complex policy issues that rewards simpletons and punishes the thoughtful...
Debates used to have some purpose...
We don't need to see the chorus line of candidates every two weeks, asked the same questions and delivering the same 60-second responses. It's superfluous. No one watches these debates who don't already have access to much more detailed and intelligent policy positions from these candidates.
In fact, the only purpose served by these debates is to toss chum out to political pundits, journalists, and broadcasters. They neither inform nor edify, and do far more damage than good to the quality of campaign discourse. The formats themselves push candidates into attacking each other rather than actually debating policy and philosophy, an approach that amplifies division rather than attempting to make convincing arguments based on facts.
Anyone who tweaks the current debate mentality shows at least some independent thought. Unfortunately, we are almost certain to see these unwieldy game shows multiply even further -- a new reality game show in which we vote people off the island all at once, and far too long after the show should have been cancelled.
(Excerpt) Read more at captainsquartersblog.com ...
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Bump! I prefer fewer debates, and much closer to decision time!
PRESIDENTIAL MATERIAL.... for sure!
That's why Willard's fans think debates are so grand.
“It forces a “lightning round” mentality onto complex policy issues that rewards simpletons and punishes the thoughtful...”
That about sums it up. Debates have become worthless.
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