2020 presidential debates

[blue suede shoes]

I don't know how well received this thread will be, or even if it is allowed.

Does anyone have any thoughts/comments on the presidential debates for this election year, the first debate being tonight?

 

[drlivingston]

The debate made one thing abundantly clear. Regardless of the outcome in November, the US is in trouble for the next 4 years.

 

[Big T]

We're damned if we do, damned if we don't.

I watched for 45 to 50 minutes, then put on a "Hogans Heroes" DVD. Couldn't tell the difference between the two. I don't want to degrade a very fine forum by dipping into politics, but I bet all here, have heads spinning this morning.

 

[eagle2250]

The two debate participants are an absolute embarassment to this Nation. Our two major competing political parties have done what no other sovereign nation has been able to do...they have brought this once great Nation of ours to it's knees! Shame on them, shame on us for electing such fools to office.

 

[Dhaller]

I think I may have shifted into the "undecided" category.

That "write-in" option is looking pretty good about now.

DH

 

[FiscalDean]

I think I may have shifted into the "undecided" category.

That "write-in" option is looking pretty good about now.

DH

While I agree a write in or a third party candidate can seem like a good alternative, ultimately it's like not voting at all.

 

[Oldsarge]

And the saddest part is that that chaotic mess didn't really change anything. By now everyone has made their decision so the country could have been spared the embarrassment by simply not holding the 'debate'.

 

[iam.mike]

Yeah, it was certainly a hot mess. Too many interruptions, both talking over one another. Lack of substance, etc.

Poor Chris Wallace. Not sure how any moderator could have handled that situation any different/better.

Both losers in that debate for sure.

I will say one thing though -- I really don't like it when anyone says "shut up" to someone else. There are 100 ways to communicate that sentiment, without using those words.

I hope the VP debates will be more civil.

 

[Vecchio Vespa]

This belongs on the Libation Contemplation, but it seems like time for a bottle of Booker's or a pitcher of martinis.

 

[Andy]

This belongs on the Libation Contemplation, but it seems like time for a bottle of Booker's or a pitcher of martinis.

I'm ready for both! (And I prefer Scotch over Bourbon!)

 

[Oldsarge]

 

[FLMike]

By now everyone has made their decision....

I strongly disagree with this. Unfortunately, I don't think last night’s debate did anything at all to help the many undecideds get any closer to choosing their candidate.

 

[Vecchio Vespa]

I'm ready for both! (And I prefer Scotch over Bourbon!)

Lagavulin or Corryvreckan?

 

[Andy]

TKI67:

Laphroaig

 

[Vecchio Vespa]

TKI67:

Laphroaig

Well at least I had you figured for Islay!

 

[Tiger]

While I agree a write in or a third party candidate can seem like a good alternative, ultimately it's like not voting at all.

Agreed; another casualty due to the distortions by states of the electoral system as delineated in Article Two Section Two of the Constitution, and by the grip the two major parties have on the entire process.

 

[eagle2250]

This belongs on the Libation Contemplation, but it seems like time for a bottle of Booker's or a pitcher of martinis.

I think perhaps it would have helped more if we had enjoyed the libations you suggest before watching the debate. Just a thought. LOL.

 

[Tiger]

Agreed; another casualty due to the distortions by states of the electoral system as delineated in Article Two Section Two of the Constitution, and by the grip the two major parties have on the entire process.

I apologize - should have referenced Article Two Section One!

 

[challer]

Yeah, it was certainly a hot mess. Too many interruptions, both talking over one another. Lack of substance, etc.

Poor Chris Wallace. Not sure how any moderator could have handled that situation any different/better.

Both losers in that debate for sure.

I will say one thing though -- I really don't like it when anyone says "shut up" to someone else. There are 100 ways to communicate that sentiment, without using those words.

I hope the VP debates will be more civil.

I would offer that Wallace was the worst of the three. Not only did he chose a format which was guaranteed to cause turmoil, he could not/would not control either of the other two. And he engaged in the debating.

 

[Vecchio Vespa]

I miss debates that give the candidates an opportunity to unpack what they believe, what they stand for, and what they would pursue in enough detail and with sufficient uninterrupted time that they should have no need to back track, recant, or reframe on the next day unless they have truly flip flopped, in which case they need to be held to account by the press. It is a sad truth that the current format is in many respects a creation of the press, pandering to a public that largely seeks sound bites, a short event, a cheering squad audience, and at least a hint of blood sport.