The "debate" isn't a debate - is it?

[Mika]

Its a charade.




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The GOP's Axis of evil

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[RobertSeattle]

1. It's better than nothing though.

BTW - Is there a link to the debate "contract"???

[SidDithers]

4. Here you go

http://www.pbs.org/now/politics/2004MemorandumUnderstanding.pdf

Sid

[RobertSeattle]

6. Awesome - thanks

File is either big or the pbs.org site is getting swamped.

FYI - File is 7Mb so slow connection people be forewarned!

[VOX]

2. Well, it's a showcase, of sorts...a sort-of side-by-side dry run...

to basically see which candidate you like better. It's really just about that simple.

But don't underestimate the importance of this canned event. It does have a significant impact.

[Mika]

5. Right. Its a canned event of significant impact.

IOW, a charade.

[Ravenseye]

3. It's a commercial at best....

debates in my mind are meaningless unless the two candidates can actually question each other. Thats what it's about. The conservatives will claim that an ability to debate has nothing to do with leading.

I think thats bullshit. Debating is about asking the right questions, and responding to those questions correctly. Thats a large part of leadership. If you can't defend your own positions, and convince others that your positions are correct, particularly if that person is hostile, you're a bad leader.

A good leader should be able to articulate their ideas especially when they're being attacked. If you can't do that you don't deserve to be given the wherewithal to have peopel obey your command.

[flordehinojos]

7. I think of it as the growing tentacle of the bush dictatorship

straightjacketing john kerry, democracy and the rest of us.

[americanwomanone]

8. It is a rehearsed play. n/t

[shraby]

10. Its a charade just like everything

else that Bush does.

[CarolynEC]

9. What are we going to call this thing...

... if JK turns in a brilliant performance, sends a compelling message to voters, and really connects with America?

[Mika]

11. Won't matter

Bush will "win".

Check Krugman's article.

[CarolynEC]

13. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know the arguments...

... but why are we all going our of our way to undermine this opportunity for JK? It makes no sense to me.

It ain't Lincoln-Douglas, I agree. But millions of voters are going to be watching, and that makes it a useful vehicle no matter what we think of the format. Let's treat it as such.

[beyurslf]

12. If they can't ask each other questions, or answer each other's charges

I would not call it a debate. It is an infomercial.

[rock]

14. Indirectly, it is

If Kerry (say) addresses an issue in one of his statements, it will be necessary for bushsucks* to provide a rebuttal.

[camaro69]

15. Kerry is going to beat * easily

I'ts in the bag. He is the Master. * is his biotch.