The Economist is hosting its own debate on the issue of how to pay for higher education. I was thoroughly impressed with the several pages on its website and the several days that The Economist has dedicated to this debate. So impressed that it made me regret the seeming pointlessness of the presidential debates.
The beauty of the debate that The Economist is hosting is in the fact that it is a true Oxford-style debate. The two sides, as well as the moderator and viewers have ample time to speak and comment. The debate is structured to be to the point and stay on the track of the topic at hand. The sides are allowed opening statements, rebuttals and closings. There is no room, nor any tolerance for fluff or PR.
Perhaps it's time the Commission on Presidential Debates take the time to rethink its approach. It seems like political candidates are too good at avoiding the purpose of a debate by ignoring the fact that they are there to debate, and instead, sidestepping the moderator and questions to get in their own promos.
I know it's a little late for anything to happen this year, but, just a thought.
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