Are you planning to watch the debate? I'm not.

[Cyrano]

Last edited Tue Sep 20, 2016, 01:24 PM - Edit history (1)

I just can't do it. I refuse to expose myself and my own sanity to whatever shit comes out of Trump's mouth. I'm just not that much of a masochist.

My guess is it would take me about five minutes before I throw whatever I'm drinking at the TV screen and then have to buy a new TV.

The coverage the following day will be sufficient. Yet, I'll still be holding my remote in hand to turn it off if it gets too painful.

On edit: Will we see Trump bite the head off a live chicken?

[chillfactor]

1. i am not going to watch either...

i will come here and wait for DU posts.

[bmstee01]

2. I'll need a beer and a pain pill and I'll be ok

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

85. hahaha, good idea! I think Hillary will shred that Trumpster fire... should make for must see TV.

[Hayduke Bomgarte]

3. No. HELL no.

I can't stand the sight of drumpf or the sound of his lying voice. I also liken it to watching a football game, in which I already know who won. Or in this case, who WILL, without any doubt, win. I just can't do it.

[apcalc]

4. No. I detest the MSM and can't abide them letting Trump off without

calling him on his lies and fabrications.

Also, the first SOB to mention Clinton's email would have me swearing at him and the TV.

Why rile myself up late at night when I can peacefully watch what I want of it the next day, turning off the revolting media at my pleasure.

[Iggo]

5. Oh god no. (n/t)

[saltpoint]

6. I want Hillary Clinton's blue boot

in Donald Trump's lying ass for the full one hour and thirty minutes of this debate.

You bet I'll be watching.

[Runningdawg]

33. Same here

[Jerry442]

7. I think it's important to watch the debate.

How else are we going to know whether Matt Lauer's performance at the CIC event was an aberration, or the other moderators got the same marching orders?

[jehop61]

8. If you really care

You should watch and be able to discuss it with others so you can have informed opinions. Won't do anyone any good to put our heads in the sand. Have a party and vent with friends.

[Cyrano]

15. I really care about Hillary being elected, and my own health

The stress of watching Trump for 90 minutes is something I refuse to do. I'll see the reruns.

As far as having "informed opinions" what are we going to hear that we don't already know? About all I can think of that would be different is Trump physically attacking Hillary after she says something to make him look like the fool he is. But I'm sure the Secret Service will be standing as close as possible in the wings. if anyone knows how unpredictable and (crazy?) Trump is, it's his secret service detail, not to mention Hillary's detail.

[frazzled]

9. The mute button is your friend

Of course I'll watch. But as in previous debates, I may have to mute the sound after listening to Trump for 10 or 15 seconds. You can additionally get up to get a snack, go to the potty, or pour a drink during these muted minutes.

[Maru Kitteh]

83. A commentator today (forget who sorry) said the way to tell who won a debate

is to watch it with the sound muted.

Mr. Maru and I would need a slightly different drinking game for that.

[Siwsan]

10. I'll watch, with the mute button at the ready

I am very curious as to how Mr. Trump will comport himself, and if the spray paint on his face will be thick enough to hide the deep anger blush I am sure he will develop.

[loyalsister]

11. Nope

No network or cable TV in my house, and I am certainly not going to go out of my way to watch it.

[Rocknrule]

12. No, for two reasons

1) I don't have cable, and 2) I can't stand listening to anything coming out of that disgusting hole in Trump's face

[shockey80]

13. I'm afraid too.

But i probably will. I am afraid they will not challenge trump on how much he doesn't know about government, the law,
the economy and foreign policy.

I am afraid they will just ask very general questions where he can just bullshit and lie.

[Oldem]

14. I'll watch and record it.

It might be useful to compare what's really said with the M$M's later coverage. Fact check them and fire off some emails. That might wear me out; I, too, might need a beer and pain killer after all that. Maybe if I eliminate Faux, I can make it.

[Cyrano]

19. You have more fortitude than I do, Oldem

I'd suggest about three beers and three pain killers just to be safe.

[malthaussen]

16. I wouldn't watch it unless I was paid a very large sum of money...

... and if I were, then I'd watch it without paying attention. I think TV debates are ridiculous.

-- Mal

[Vinca]

17. No. I'm on the verge of hysteria over this election as it is so I refuse to watch.

If there is a "gotcha" moment for either candidate it will play ad nauseam on the tube for days and days (or until the next mass shooting or airplane crash, whichever comes first).

[Cyrano]

21. You're right, Vinca. A "gotcha" moment is inevitable.

When Trump accuses her of killing Vince Foster, Twitter and YouTube will go wild, since too many people today don't have a clue as to who Vince Foster was.

[LisaM]

18. They'll probably have it on too early for the West Coast

That happened a lot in the primaries. I had to rely on play-by-plays from places like DU because I was either still at work or on the commute home.

[Sherman A1]

20. No,

I've long ago made my decision, so there is nothing that can be gained by watching the debate.

[dawnie51]

22. I agree totally with you.....

my mental health is more important. Not like you won't get the salient points over and over again the next day. I intend to read a book or something that evening. Maybe my grandson has a soccer match

[pinboy3niner]

23. I can't wait to watch it

It's one of the most important events of the entire presidential campaign and I want to see it for myself, the whole thing.

[Cyrano]

39. Actually, it's not "one of the most important events ... "

It's a side show. I, for one, don't want to watch Trump bite the head off of a live chicken.

I understand and respect your opinion. And it may be important for some minuscule part of the population who hasn't already made up their minds (although I think we're talking about a few thousand people).

But really, pinboy3niner, it's a freak show, -- nothing more, nothing less.

And unless Trump actually does bite the head off a live chicken, it's meaningless.

[GreatCaesarsGhost]

65. Exactly.

After a long season, it's the start of the playoffs.

[CBGLuthier]

24. I do not understand why anyone would watch it. Everyone here knows who they are voting for.

What's the point?

[PasadenaTrudy]

25. I'll follow it on twitter

I prefer text over the visuals...

[johnp3907]

26. No way.

[Nay]

27. We've been unable to watch debates for quite a few years, generally since

the League of Women Voters stopped hosting them. The hosts now let any and all bullshit get spewed, and it will be even worse when Trump opens his mouth. There is simply no reason to watch. Nevertheless, there will be a large audience composed of people who want to see fistfights break out. I divorce myself from this shit.

You can get all the info you need from the print discussion on DU the next day.

[vlyons]

28. you betcha I will

really looking forward to some fabulous HRC zingers.

[Thinkingabout]

29. I plan to watch, I know Hillary's performance is going to be great as usual and I want her

to send Trump packing. She will be presidential and he will arrive with a variety of ugly faces because this is all he has to offer. He will make dumb statements, Hillary will not.

[Orrex]

30. You should watch the post-debate commentary

See our trusted media quizzing "independent" voters who were "undecided" before the debate but now find Trump a strong and compelling candidate.

Mark my words!

[brooklynite]

31. I don't recommend hiding from reality.

[Cyrano]

42. Preserving one's own sanity is not hiding from reality

[brooklynite]

45. In that case, I would suggest not getting involved with politics at all.

There will always be someone on the other side saying something stupid.

[narnian60]

32. I'm going to try,

but usually I get so involved with DU during it, I mute it and get going with the recc button.

[bigwillq]

34. No

I don't like debates.

[rurallib]

35. Probably not

Usually read DU or Kos and sort of have it on in the background.
I get too involved, especially when lies are are let go unchallenged.

[Faux pas]

36. I'm not either.

Can't stand anymore confetti being blown up my _____ (fill in the blank).

[Runningdawg]

37. Before it even starts

I believe this will be the first, last and only debate during this election. Yes I will watch, one way or another history will be made.

[Cyrano]

43. Interesting observation that this will be the only debate

I find it hard to argue the point given Trump's knowledge of world affairs.

Who knows. He may just walk off the stage during this first debate.

[2theleft]

74. That's what I've been thinking...

He's open to Lester Holt, so he will do this one. If he doesn't completely lose his mind and the media says he won, or it was a tie, he will state he won, there is no reason to do any of the others.

If the media says Hillary won, he will then blame the liberal media and refuse to do the rest because they are "unfair".

[Lifelong Protester]

38. I want to see him flattened!

Yes, I agree, it will be talked about for days, and I have already made up my mind.

I want her to turn in a stellar debate performance, and I want to see him go down in flames.

Yes, I will liberally use the mute and have a glass of wine.

The apricot hellbeast has to go down! I want to see it with my own eyes.

[femmocrat]

40. Yes. And I plan to participate in the debate thread here on DU.

I think it is important to know what was said by whom. I will not watch the post-debate talking heads though.

[doc03]

41. No way I will watch. Have you seen the ads billing it like a WWF cage match

it is sickening? This country has literally gone insane. I know Trump will make a complete ass
out of himself and a mockery of the presidential election and people will eat it up.

[phallon]

52. Have to see but don't want to either

I don't want to get anymore secondhand info.

[elfin]

44. I will record but not watch

I get so crazy at the imbalance by media that I fear for my health and sanity. The only "news" I can stomach is NPR, and I have to turn that off often. Even Charlie Rose displays Hillary distaste.

I will rely on DU reviews the next day to see if watch-worthy.

I generally like Lester Holt, but have no confidence that he will be any better than Lauer in confronting Trump lies.

[RobinA]

46. I Will Hold My Nose

and watch. I may not make it all the way through, but I prefer to see what goes on for myself rather than have to interpreted for me. Plus, on the off chance that Don's head explodes I want to see it live.

[mnhtnbb]

48. If Don the Con's head explodes it will be replayed ad nauseum the next day.

[mnhtnbb]

47. I won't watch it. I know for whom I'm casting my vote

so why would I make myself listen to a bunch of lies from a xenophobic, misogynistic, bigoted, sociopathic a$$hole?

[Egnever]

49. Hell yes!

I have been waiting for Hillary to have a chance to expose this clown for a long time now.

It is going to be delicious!

[avebury]

50. When is the debate? nt

[Different Drummer]

61. The first one is September 26

Times: 9pm to 10:30pm ET (8pm – 9:30pm CT, 7pm – 8:30pm MT, 6pm – 7:30pm PT)

[Glorfindel]

51. No. Can't bring myself to watch.

n/t

[Dworkin]

53. No watch

Hi,

For some time now I have been reading news but not watching video. The sight and sound of live Trump is not for me.

This is the first time in my 68 years that its come to this over any politics. The thought that sickens me most is that Trump has been waiting to do this through Obama's terms, driving the birtherism and biding his time to strike.

D.

[underthematrix]

54. My hubby will watch but I'll get my info from

The Obama Diary

[Lucinda]

55. His voice makes my skin crawl, so I'll be watching a play by play, live on-line, but not listening.

[Retrograde]

56. I'm waiting for the Bad Lip Reading version

I may record it, but I'm not sure about watching.

[Blue Dalek]

57. Yes, I will watch with my partner

Hillary is going to open a can of whoop ass!

[redstateblues]

58. Can't do it. Hillary will kick ass and I will check DU for the thread and post mortem.

The thought of having to hear Andrea Mitchell or Cory Lewadowski doing recaps is a bridge too far.

[Ron Obvious]

59. No because I never watch political debates

That's because they're not so much debates as joint, alternating press conferences. A true debate can be interesting in that it generally consists of two participants trying to make a case to convince the other by presenting a series of reasoned arguments in support of their position with plenty of time for rebuttal and follow up. In theory either side is prepared to abandon their position by yielding to superior arguments.

Political debates are nothing but a series of alternating soundbites of two people talking past each other while their supporters cheer the soundbites meant for them.

No thanks.

[Delmette]

60. Yes, I will watch

It will help to have a bottle of wine and foam rocks to throw at the tv.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

62. I have the utmost confidence in our nominee that she'll be able to hold her own against the Madman.

So yes, I'll be watching.

[GusBob]

63. Hell fucking no

[Different Drummer]

64. The debate isn't going to change my mind about

anything, so I see no reason to watch other than having the opportunity to point and laugh at the overgrown Oompah Loompah.

[hunter]

66. My TV is a movie playing machine. That's all it does.

If I can't read the news, it didn't happen.

[LanternWaste]

67. I don't think I'm quite as fed up by his voice or face as most on DU are, meaning I'll watch...

I'm betting most of you guys have cable news and watch often. I'm limited to broadcast television and don't get near as much broadcast media so I'm not as wearied by his stunts as most of you are. Most of my news, analysis and even editorial is textual... no Morning Joe, no Rachel Maddow, no (insert this week's popular Talking Head here) and about the only news programming I see on tele (other than local and national evenings news, ala 1981) is the occasional Sunday program.

So I don't think I'm quite as fed up by his voice or face as most on DU are, meaning I'll watch at least the beginning of it. However, should it turn into the Trump Yelling Incoherent Points (which I'm betting it will after ten minutes), I'll click off and return to watching Lost, season 3.

[yuiyoshida]

68. "Will we see Trump bite the head off a live chicken?"

If so Alice Cooper WILL sue his ass!

[MowCowWhoHow III]

69. If I'm awake I'll infer what's occuring from Twitter

All the notable bits will be promulgated.

[ailsagirl]

70. Not on your life

Mental health (mine) comes first.

[DawgHouse]

71. Of course I'll watch! I wouldn't miss it for the world.

[LWolf]

72. No.

Are they going to say something that will come from nowhere and flip what I already know about them? No. I know what I need to know, and public speeches won't change that. I know plenty of people who are going to gather around their tvs for drinking parties, but nobody who thinks that Clinton can't, and won't, obliterate him. Even if she has the worst night of her life, Trump's not going to look any better than the orange dog-shit he is.

Me? I'll be working on a research project after I finish grading the day's papers and entering grades. If I need a break, I'll curl up with a drink and some light reading, or light re-runs, or the yoga mat (sans drink) or I'll groom a horse or let the cat sit on my chest and purr. All of those, the work and the relaxing, are better than having to watch that debacle.

[roamer65]

73. No. I already know who's getting my vote.

Utterly nothing that narcissistic prick has to say will change my mind.

[Demonaut]

75. I can't wait....it will be sooooo gooood

specially the part where he walks over to intimidate her..ala Gore vs B*

[Farmgirl1961]

76. I really want to watch to see how this all plays out

But our daughter has choir practice and so -- that's where I'll be. I'll watch it after the fact and get all of the commentary.

[saltpoint]

77. I'm hoping Lester Holt will ask

Mr. Trump if he can account for the charges regarding Trump's using money designated for charitable causes to cover his legal fees.

If that question is asked, I think Donald Trump may experience a virulent meltdown that would embarrass a 2-year old. Wouldn't miss it for the world.

[Skittles]

78. I can't

the idea of seriously qualified and experienced woman trying debate that clown is just too over-the-top ridiculous to me

[yeoman6987]

79. I think it has the potential of being the Dallas who shot JR or mash finale numbers

This debate is going to be a ratings blow out. More then the Super Bowl.

[still_one]

80. I will record it, but not watch it live. I will follow posts here

[JenniferJuniper]

81. What would be the point of watching?

[wncHillsupport]

82. Absolutely I will watch it.

I am counting the hours and minutes. And yes, I want to hear every word of both Hillary and Donald. Given my senior age, this could be my last presidential race and I want every moment of it. Even if it is raising my BP and anxiety levels to new highs.

Will have three people over to watch with me and they will be under orders to NOT talk during the candidate's talking.

I am a political junkie so why would I deprive myself of such a critical event?

[DawgHouse]

84. Exactly! It's a historical event, IMO.

I want to enjoy every minute of HRC's campaign and then celebrate when she wins.

[spanone]

86. absolutely. i'm a political junkie.

[Raine]

87. Absolutely! I've been looking forward to it, no way would I miss it.. nt