Biden Braces for Rivals’ Attacks on Son at Democratic Debate
Really?!
Here we have what I most disdain about our way of electing Presidents: the televised debates. This was not always the case. But in recent years these "debates" -- which have always actually been nothing but joint news conferences (albeit confrontational) -- have become seemingly an opportunity for the non-leaders (in the polls) to take shots at the leader.
There is a certain way that criticizing an opponent can be useful, even healthy. No one should have a free pass to the Presidency. But, if attacking a candidate's son is considered part of the back and forth, the dignity of the office itself is in danger. Sadly, this is not a new phenomenon. But in the era of television, the danger of histrionics is magnified, and the ill effect spread far and wide.
N.B.: Why does CNN seem to be the exclusive debate sponsor? And, in case you were wondering, yes, I do miss the League of Women Voters.
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(In its time this was a unique and extremely important way for The League of Women Voters to contribute. Again, I miss them very much.)
Really?!
Here we have what I most disdain about our way of electing Presidents: the televised debates. This was not always the case. But in recent years these "debates" -- which have always actually been nothing but joint news conferences (albeit confrontational) -- have become seemingly an opportunity for the non-leaders (in the polls) to take shots at the leader.
There is a certain way that criticizing an opponent can be useful, even healthy. No one should have a free pass to the Presidency. But, if attacking a candidate's son is considered part of the back and forth, the dignity of the office itself is in danger. Sadly, this is not a new phenomenon. But in the era of television, the danger of histrionics is magnified, and the ill effect spread far and wide.
N.B.: Why does CNN seem to be the exclusive debate sponsor? And, in case you were wondering, yes, I do miss the League of Women Voters.
___
(In its time this was a unique and extremely important way for The League of Women Voters to contribute. Again, I miss them very much.)
I propose a 21st century version of the Lincoln-Douglas debates. First, no one who cannot speak at length civilly, coherently, informatively, and respectfully, will be invited (regardless of polling). Second, there will not be a questioner, controller, or media star. Third, there will be no commercials. (But maybe an interval for a public service announcement would be a good idea.) Fourth, we will find a way to have the League of Women Voters sponsor this debate (or maybe the national organization of teachers of college forensics. These people will set up the rules after taking suggestions from the debaters.) In order for this to work there needs to be a fifth item: This is going to require much prayer!
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