presidential debates

Years ago we were living in Texas, and the local PBS affiliate broadcast the debate between the Republican, Democrat and Libertarian candidates for State Attorney General. It was actually quite amusing. For about the first third of the debate the Republican and Democrat were reciting their prepared statements (regardless of how well they answered the questions). But the Libertarian kept asking them questions they obviously weren't geared to think about, like "what is the moral basis for the law?". After awhile they couldn't ignore her anymore, but neither could they really answer her.

I'm not sure what one question I would ask either Bush or Kerry. Would it matter? Has any candidate really ever answered a question in a debate? I suppose I would ask them just how long they think we can keep on having 500 billion dollar a year national deficits, and 50 billion dollar a month trade deficits before the rest of the world refuses to accept our paper dollars.

Their demeanor, how they look at the camera - That's what makes up viewers' minds. We are a celebrity oriented society and the hell with boring facts.

edgarblythe
That being the case. I vote for Hallie Barrie for president. She is drop dead gorgeous. And she could probably hold her own against Bush. But than again who couldn't.

I do not think it so much that the American people are not interested in facts as it is they do not believe that politicians are telling the truth. Therefore, it comes down to how a politician as you say comes across.

I'd actually watch the debates if there were a third (or fourth!) party candidate to muddy the waters.

They ought to have round girls, as they do in boxing. Each time a new q gets asked, a girl bearing a placard walks by the camera. Something to keep interest up.

littlek
Would you watch the debates if the questions asked and topics discussed were sent in by the American people and not formed by the political pundits. The theme could be America wants to know.

Au, that would be ever more interesting. But, alas, those questions would still have to be sorted through by someone who may or may not be filtering them by content.

The debates will be another puppet show for our benefit. My question would be, "Do either of you spineless corporate bitches give **** one about the public at all?"

Then I'd take a crap on the floor and walk out.

I have a question that needs answering.
The price of a barrel of crude is edging up to $50 and threatens to go higher. The problems in the middle east are in good measure because of OIL. What is your energy policy not some pie in the sky 20 years from now? But how do you intend to deal with it from day one?

Oh I would DEFINITELY tune in for that!

I think that anyone who is on the ballot in all 50 states should be in the debates.

Why dont the 'little ones' hold their own debate? I mean, aside from the question of whether they should be allowed in on the main ones - just one with Nader, Badnarik, Cobb, whoever else is out there - could be interesting.

nimh
Who would listen to it and further who would broadcast it?

On C-SPAN they were announcing a debate/show-thingie - Sunday, 6:30 and 9:30, EST & Pacific time, with the third-party candidates: Constitutionalist, Libertarian, Socialist even, the lot. Would be interesting, no?

Cool. Good lookin out!