New rule: we stop calling the “debates” debates. Merriam-Webster defines a debate as:
a contention by words or arguments: as a: the formal discussion of a motion before a deliberative body according to the rules of parliamentary procedure b: a regulated discussion of a proposition between two matched sides
Discussion between two sides. As in both sides interact with each other. Now check out some of the rules for tonight:
An audience member will not be allowed to switch questions. Under the deal, the moderator may not ask followups or make comments. The person who asks the question will not be allowed a follow-up either, and his or her microphone will be turned off after the question is read. A camera shot will only be shown of the person asking not reacting.
While there will be director’s chairs (with backs and foot rests), McCain and Obama will be allowed to stand but they can’t roam past their “designated area” to be marked on the stage. McCain and Obama are not supposed to ask each other direct questions.
No follow-ups, no interaction. What kind of debate is this? Can you imagine if Lincoln and Douglas had these kinds of rules?
The no follow-ups rule pains me because politicians answer the question they want to answer, not necessarily the one they were asked. Follow-ups by the moderator (or here even from the audience members) provide a means to make sure they answer the actual question a means to ensure voters are that much more well-informed. This is what made the Palin-Couric interview so deadly and what doomed the vice presidential debate.
We deserve better than this, Obama and McCain campaigns.
(Nod: Political Wire)
