September 29, 2004

Networks Balk at Presidential Debate Rules Rules designed, of course, to make it not so much a debate as duelling stump speeches. Good for the Media.

At issue, specifically, are the Ministry-of-Information-ish requirements that the cameras not cut away from one candidate while he's speaking (to minimize George-Sr.-looking-at-his-watch moments) and the GOP requested makeup of the town hall audience (they don't want undecideds asking questions, for some reason). Also...can't find the link, but MSNBC reported this week that Bush is considering opting out of the last two debates if demands are not met. Hmmm...

posted by TenaciousPettle 20 years ago
  • Go networks!
  • I wonder why they don't want undecideds asking questions. I mean, those are the people they want to vote for them, right? Right?
  • shawnj, the GOP wanted either "soft Kerry" or "soft Bush" supporters asking questions, I presume b/c it's easier to figure out what they might say. Or to dismiss their questions as partisan if the answers are uncomfortable. *hehe...soft bush....*
  • I heard an interview with a presidential debate scholar recently. He mentioned that for the second debate members of the public get to ask the questions. However, all potential questions must be submitted in writing beforehand and if anyone deviates from the wording submitted their mic will be cut off. I have to wonder exactly who gets to choose amongst the questions?
  • *snkk* - you said "Soft Bush"
  • Reality TV sure is popular these days.
  • However, all potential questions must be submitted in writing beforehand and if anyone deviates from the wording submitted their mic will be cut off. Laugh to keep from cryin', people, laugh to keep from cryin'.
  • The 32-page "Memorandum of Understanding" can be found here as a 7.4MB pdf.
  • their mic will be cut off And if they resist... well...
  • Presidential Candidates Badnarik and Cobb to debate in Miami. Free Market News will stream the debate and have it for download.
  • this is what i call "fighting the power."
  • Do other countries have debates that are so preplanned and scripted? And what happens if Bush or Kerry were to break one of the rules. Who is going to enforce the penalties?
  • THAT'S IT... I'm going to vote for Nader! Don't try to stop me! I'll do it, man! I SWEAR I'LL FUCKING DO IT!!!
  • Open Debates has a great document about how we got to these "debates" Deterring Democracy: How the Commission on Presidential Debates Undermines Democracy(pdf) [via NOW with Bill Moyers]
  • This is one of the very few times I am pleased with the media. It's such a rare thing for them to have some sort of backbone. But, then again, it's all about the ratings.