I think these townhalls/fourms...

[one_voice]

are great. I think I prefer them to debates. I'd like to see more of these. More questions from people.

Love these.

[metroins]

1. I disagree

I thought the debates were better.

[one_voice]

3. I like the debates too..

but I want to see incorporated in the future.

The debates get bogged down with trying to address what the other person just said. With these I think you get so much more information from the candidates. They're not constantly on the defensive. Do a combo of debates & these.

[TCJ70]

2. I'm down with this as well...

..real questions from real people (particularly in this one, not the last one). Much better.

[Myrina]

4. They have their merits, but it's impossible

... to explain policy proposals to the granular level necessary for voters to really "get it" in 30 second / 1-2 minute bites. Unfortunately, 1-2 minutes is the extent of our collective attention span anymore, and I'm sure NOBODY in that audience peruses legislative records or in-depth policy papers.

[MissDeeds]

5. I like the town hall and forum formats better too

The candidates get the opportunity to fully address issues and the audience can participate. Debates can devolve into arguing, shouting, and violating time limits. Personally, I get much more out of the forums.