Is this all we expect from the President? 'Kicking ass' in a fake debate?

[bigtree]

I really do hate feeding into the nonsense about judging these candidates on how they perform on a set-up stage with loaded questions. Is it too much to ask that our party tries to focus attention on the REALITY that is these candidates' histories and proposals?

The debates are like the ultimate media cop-out, where they just throw the two candidates out there and let them define reality. But, they really don't let them have their way, or make the critical judgments about truth and blame that voters need to make good decisions.

I'd much rather have them, than not. it's great entertainment; but, it's like an opera in foreign language. You need a good program to explain what's actually happening on stage. I'm just not sure there's a credible one available to sort it all out.

Anyway, it's a sad state of affairs that there's still a question about the impact of Monday's staged contest on the outcome of this election. Still hope the President kicks ass. More hoping that folks have already seen enough in these four years to make up their minds. Too much to expect, i suppose.

[Honeycombe8]

1. I wish they'd stop these debates. nt

[treestar]

11. +1

They aren't of much use now. Until people in this country get a grip and quit hating anything intellectual, the debates aren't real and are just another show.

[RKP5637]

2. America has sadly become a reality TV show IMO. I've concluded many Americans do

view the presidency as a sporting contest and want to see a reality show than using their own good sound judgment based on facts from over the years.

[spanone]

3. everything is based on the american idol standard these days

[geckosfeet]

4. I agree. These debates are a low form of theater. They certainly cannot be relied upon

for factual position statements or useful information.

[msongs]

5. how about earn votes based on actual accomplishments?? is that unamerican?? nt

[man4allcats]

6. It's not all we expect, but in today's reality it has unfortunately become

a sad necessity, a requisite theater of the absurd. The President, no matter how much he may wish to operate on the level of the intellectual that he is, must nevertheless play along with this stupid game. The media and the bourgeoisie will have their entertainment. One word: Idiocracy.

[RKP5637]

8. And the media is in it for the money, it's all about $$$ for/to the media ... they make big

bucks off of controversies and gladiator political spectaculars, so, they will do all they can to promote the contests. It's sickening and it's ripping apart this country.

[man4allcats]

10. You have hit the nail on the head, my friend.

I wish I could say it were not so, but in fact it is. In truth, everything in this country is for sale including the country itself if the price is right. So sad.

[LisaL]

7. Well we here don't.

I personally couldn't care less.

[quinnox]

9. I would like to see more debates

They seem to be very popular with the masses and draw good ratings. They give the opportunity to compare the candidates directly in their own words. The last debate was how all of them should be, with the candidates actually addressing each other directly and responding to each other, rather than a canned and programmed type debate where they kind of can just recite their preparation to scripted questions.

It's weird how they have tons and tons of debates during the primary season, sometimes one every week, and then when it comes to the presidency we get a measly 3 debates.