Posted on 03/04/2016 7:24:35 PM PST by BlackFemaleArmyColonel
There are two more Republican presidential debates left on the schedule — and that is more than enough for party insiders, who fear that the insult-rich clashes are becoming deeply damaging to the GOP's image.
In their minds, Thursday’s debate in Detroit was a nadir. They single out, in particular, the moment when front-runner Donald Trump sought to rebut implied suggestions from rival Marco Rubio that his manhood was inadequate.
The debate also stooped to name-calling, as Trump constantly referred to Rubio on Thursday night as “Little Marco” and labeled his other main rival, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, “Lying Ted.” Cruz — no stranger to robust debating tactics himself — asked plaintively at one point, “Is this the debate you want playing out in the general election?”
Magnifying potential problems for the GOP, the most outlandish clashes were highlighted in the following day’s media coverage, even as pundits criticized the tone.
“It’s not funny anymore,” MSNBC anchor Joe Scarborough, a former Republican congressman, said on Friday’s edition of “Morning Joe.”
Republican strategists agree, recalling that the debate preceding the clash in Detroit — a Feb. 25 event in Houston — was also noticeable for producing more heat than light.
“I don’t know how useful debates are going forward,” said one strategist, Matt Mackowiak, who also expressed qualms about the rambunctious crowds at recent debates. “The crowds really distract from the purpose of the debates themselves. We are getting into repetition at this point. I do think that there is damage being done.”
The capacity of debates to be counter-productive had been recognized by the Republican National Committee (RNC) before this year’s extraordinary cycle got underway.
(Excerpt) Read more at thehill.com ...
The debates have been ridiculous. It is time to cancel them.
Cancel the FNC “Debates” for sure. And fire Greg Gutfeld, Dana PeRino, Megyn Kelly, and Chris Wallace while you’re at it.
I have moderator fatigue, not debate fatigue. I’d love to see them really debate in depth platforms and issues. Give them 5 minutes per turn. Have one moderator to introduce a subject, and let the candidates take it from there - no questions.
They’re stupid. Cruz and Rubio demean and insult Trump but they do it with high sounding language. When Trump responds back he responds in the same fashion, but with more common language. That’s one of his appealing qualities to many. He knows when someone’s pissing on him and calling it rain and responds like someone’s pissing on him.
That’s the one! Fun, fun, fun!
Yup. Debates haven’t moved numbers.
Do we really need to hold the rest of them?
I think we were way past that long ago.>>> sorry GOPe needs them to destroy the current front runner, or the next front runner after that. until they get their pick. They benefit only the GOPe not the people of the USA.
I have moderator fatigue, not debate fatigue. I’d love to see them really debate in depth platforms and issues. Give them 5 minutes per turn. Have one moderator to introduce a subject, and let the candidates take it from there - no questions.
Exactly.
We don’t need moderators. These so called questions are ALWAYS “you said this then, and later you said that.” They are all gotchas. It’s a joke. The purpose of a debate isn’t to cause actual pain and shame to the candidates.
Tell the candidates ahead of time that 6 topics will be raised, tell them and everyone what the six topics will be (normal presidential topics, not penis size or what type of underwear or First Lady questions). Then have someone introduce the candidates and explain the format. Then have graphics with each new topic, and like you say, each person has 5 minutes on each topic, and they don’t need to take all 5. No ad hominems or back and forth attacks.
you all are too funny one for bringing it up and two for finding the video
How is a phony mod supposed to bait in a real debate?
I’d like to see the candidates get the same questions and they should be on positions and programs they’ll set in motion when they’re elected president.
The purpose of the constant debates arranged by the GOPe in conjunction with the media is the destruction of all conservative or outsider candidates in a meatgrinder process so the GOPe candidate wins.
But it looks like Mr. Trump found a way to go around it and overcome it.
I’ve watched every single debate, Republican and Demonrat, and totally agree...
The audiences are out of hand... and the rest of the debates pointless...
let’s get to the dueling and be done with it.
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