Last night’s debate wasn’t about policy, it was about politics. America was the big loser in last night’s debate – no matter what party you belong to. I think it also exposed a big gaping hole in another part of our election system that needs repairs – debates.
Debates have become nothing but a ratings game for networks that thrive on reality shows, which work to embarrass people the most. That should not be the case. Debates should be carried as part of the networks agreement to air public service, in return for use of our airwaves. ABC was clear yesterday this was not their view when they said no one could use video clips of the debate for twelve hours after it aired.
What we need is a new law written in that there will be X number of debates during primaries and X number of debates during the general. These debates will be carried on the network station, and can not be used as a ratings game. A commission should be formed to oversee the moderators action and the production of these debates.
Debates are the only chance a majority of Americans get to actually see the candidates in action. What Obama’s preacher said years ago won’t affect his policy, nor will questions of if Hillary actually landed in Bosnia under sniper fire. Four years ago bringing up Dick Cheney’s lesbian daughter was taboo, even when the big issue was gay marriage. Now anything goes?
I know some Republicans are loving what they saw last night. I wonder how they would respond if the same thing happened to McCain. What if ABC holds a debate between Obama and McCain and an exchange like this happened:
Gibson: Senator McCain – there has been reports that you gave information to our enemies, in exchange for better treatment, when you were held captive during the Vietnam war.
McCain: That is absolutely false Charlie.
Gibson: Are you sure Senator? You didn’t turn on America to save yourself from discomfort?
McCain: I have the medical records to prove the abuse I endured.
Gibson: But others endured more abuse, Senator. Are those people more patriotic than you? How can we be sure you didn’t turn over state secrets to get better care?
That alone would Republicans over the edge, and if it was a general election debate, I wouldn’t be shocked to here ABC ask it after last nights autracity.
I also think the candidates should pledge to not do anymore debates on ABC after the joke last night. Show ABC that we hold America’s democracy and process more dear than some reality show. If our founding fathers would have seen what happened last night, they would have surrendered to the British.