Opinion How should we fix the debate format for elections?

[VivaRevolution]

How should we fix the debate format for elections?

As far as I can tell, no one supports this format meant for 2 minute or less responses on complicated issues where many don't even get a chance to respond.

So how can it be done better?

I think we should have to focused debates. We should have one about foreign policy. One about domestic policy. One about social issues. One about climate change. Ect.

Give each candidate a 8 minute closing remark.

What do you guys suggest to fix the format?

Discuss.....

 

[Seraldo Babalu]

 

[lilelvis]

All candidates must be naked.....

 

[Rygu]

All candidates must be naked.....

Every eye would be on Tulsi. Every single one.

 

[HereticBD]

Get the media corporations out of it. There should not be a "CNN Debate", or a "FOX Debate".

The debates should be public access. No agendas. Just talk.

 

[Deleted member 159002]

One person asking questions should a philosopher, one should be an economist.

 

[orgazmo]

Get rid of the audience, it'll stop people from constantly trying to make empty applause generating statements

 

[Otto!]

I think this is too many candidates at one time.

Have groups of no more than 5 candidates so they have a bit more time to address issues.

 

[7437]

I dont think there should be debates at all. It's just a platform for whichever candidate is most charismatic to gain favor, not which candidate has better ideas

 

[ShadBo]

Somewhere in the middle and at the end of the debate, an independent third party will fact check and present relevant information to the arguments/positions of each candidate.

 

[lilelvis]

I dont think there should be debates at all. It's just a platform for whichever candidate is most charismatic to gain favor, not which candidate has better ideas

It tells a lot about a persons judgment under pressure.. might be important

 

[ElKarlo]

Get the media corporations out of it. There should not be a "CNN Debate", or a "FOX Debate".

The debates should be public access. No agendas. Just talk.

Yeah should be on cspan or PBS. Sound bites don't make major meaningful speeches.

 

[Fawlty]

Tougher cuts to a smaller field sooner.

 

[WhiteMousse]

 

[SRN]

@VivaRevolution I like the idea of having pre determined topics, that's a good way of having each candidate present their plan and/or argue their position with more time and details. Letting citizens choose the order of importance of those topics and giving each topics the appropriate time accordingly would be great too. That would make the audience part of the debate which is important.

Make specialists ask questions instead of journalists.

Getting rid of CNN and Foxnews debates like @HereticBD said. I would add that the moderator should be someone who actually do that for a living, or have experience with that rather than guys like Anderson Cooper. In other words, make it as neutral and professional as possible.

Live audience is important but only average and random people should be allowed and not campaign teams or cheerleaders. Perhaps a room full of independents lol

I would like to see Libertarian candidates participating as well.

 

[Teppodama]

Don't you think there's already been enough "fixing" in the Democratic debates?

 

[SammyPops]

The stage should be surrounded by gators and every time a Politian lied …. well you know ….

 

[Zebra Cheeks]

I think this is too many candidates at one time.

Have groups of no more than 5 candidates so they have a bit more time to address issues.

I feel the opposite. Despite the fact that it’s causing its own issues, I’ve enjoyed seeing the different candidates and their ideas. I liked having that many people up on stage instead of having them ruled out before I got the chance to understand who they are because of some phantom polling method that never seems to make sense anyway

 

[Mendacious]

I dont think there should be debates at all. It's just a platform for whichever candidate is most charismatic to gain favor, not which candidate has better ideas

I agree with this on 99% of public debates but I do believe it’s valuable for presidential candidates, not for the actual ideas they’re pushing, but to see how they react under pressure.