Debates are very unnatural formats. In no other setting does a President or other political leader have a time limit to talk. That doesn’t even happen in negotIations with other world leaders no matter how hostile.
The best candidate forum I ever saw was a Rachel Maddow program during the 2016 primaries in which she interviewed each of t…
Debates are very unnatural formats. In no other setting does a President or other political leader have a time limit to talk. That doesn’t even happen in negotIations with other world leaders no matter how hostile.
The best candidate forum I ever saw was a Rachel Maddow program during the 2016 primaries in which she interviewed each of the Democratic candidates back to back. She asked substantive questions, including questions about criticisms that had been made of each candidate’s proposals and perceived weaknesses. I think she also asked audience questions. I got a much better feel for each candidate and their proposals during those interviews than I have ever gotten from a debate.
The media also influences the public’s perception of debates far too much by harping on minor slips of the tongue, one liners and other trivial matters. For example Reagan’s scripted quip about not exploiting McGovern’s youth and inexperience so impressed the media they decided Reagan’s age and weakening memory were no longer an issue. That was ridiculous as was proved by Reagan being clearly in the early stages of Alzheimer’s during his 2nd term.
Polls immediately after one of the Bush Gore debates showed Gore had clearly won. Then the right and the mainstream jumped on Gore’s demeanor and sighs. Within a few days polls showed the public thought Bush had won.
Debates are very unnatural formats. In no other setting does a President or other political leader have a time limit to talk. That doesn’t even happen in negotIations with other world leaders no matter how hostile.
The best candidate forum I ever saw was a Rachel Maddow program during the 2016 primaries in which she interviewed each of the Democratic candidates back to back. She asked substantive questions, including questions about criticisms that had been made of each candidate’s proposals and perceived weaknesses. I think she also asked audience questions. I got a much better feel for each candidate and their proposals during those interviews than I have ever gotten from a debate.
The media also influences the public’s perception of debates far too much by harping on minor slips of the tongue, one liners and other trivial matters. For example Reagan’s scripted quip about not exploiting McGovern’s youth and inexperience so impressed the media they decided Reagan’s age and weakening memory were no longer an issue. That was ridiculous as was proved by Reagan being clearly in the early stages of Alzheimer’s during his 2nd term.
Polls immediately after one of the Bush Gore debates showed Gore had clearly won. Then the right and the mainstream jumped on Gore’s demeanor and sighs. Within a few days polls showed the public thought Bush had won.
Mondale?
Oops!