University debate coach: Hard to tell difference lately between debates & Jerry Springer show

[highplainsdem]

A CNN opinion piece from Todd Graham, the director of debate at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, who's won the National Debate Coach of the Year award. The CNN editor's note says he's been analyzing presidential debates for five elections.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/17/opinion/graham-south-carolina-debate/

Lately it's hard to tell the difference between a presidential debate and "The Jerry Springer Show." Yeah, I know. Some of you have been saying this for months. But my comment isn't a criticism of the candidates, but the live audience. I was hoping this audience "whoop" factor would go away over the long debate season, but it has only grown worse.

Are they serving alcohol at the debates? It seems like it. In last night's Republican presidential debate, held in the Myrtle Beach Convention Center in South Carolina, the chaotic audience once again played an awkward role in the questions and answers.

-snip-

It was especially annoying because the live audience was booing their disapproval at inappropriate times. Two examples. Juan Williams, one of the moderators, was asking Mitt Romney about his immigration policies when he was interrupted in mid-question. Williams had begun the question by stating that Mitt Romney's father was born in Mexico. "Boo!" came the shouts from the audience. What? What in the world were they booing? I still have no idea. It could have been Juan Williams, the question, Romney's father, or Romney's position on immigration. It made no sense.

-snip-

But the audience mistimed its reaction and used most of its vitriol immediately after Paul said the American people wouldn't like it if the United States were treated the same way it treated other countries. Paul reiterated his stance that we should use the golden rule -- do unto others as you would have them do unto you -- when the boos rang out. I couldn't believe it. I was indeed hearing this correctly. The crazed audience at the presidential debate actually booed the golden-freaking-rule. What's next? Helping old women cross the street? "Boo! ... Villain!" Puppies? "Hiss ... Shame!"

-snip-

[Javaman]

2. hitler used those same tactics...just sayin. nt

[BeHereNow]

3. I'm glad I did not watch- I'm a nervous wreck as it is...

I just made the mistake of opening the
thread "The 40 Worst People in America."

It frightened me actually.

While I believe it is important to face reality,
the thought that these people roam our streets freely
makes me truly think twice about leaving my house.

BHN