Communist show trials proceed without any testimony from the accused, except for tearful, cowering confessions, typically obtained by a combo of torture and threats to massacre family and friends. Those who don't confess are simply shot without the formality of a show trial.
Debates are nothing like show trials. They are job interviews conducted before a live audience so voters can find out how candidates respond under pressure that's a tiny fraction of what presidents encounter once in office. What we've learned about the Donald is that when under pressure, he'll conduct a wounded veteran's benefit. That makes him qualified perhaps to head up the VA. The White House is a giant leap.
Moderator grand standing has no place in debates.
“Debates are nothing like show trials. They are job interviews conducted before a live audience so voters can find out how candidates respond under pressure that’s a tiny fraction of what presidents encounter once in office.”
These media spectacles and gotcha sessions are not debates. They are certainly not job interviews.
These are like target practice where certain candidates are expected to stand at the podium and be exposed to one vicious attack after another while other candidates are given prearranged softball questions.
There is little or no intelligent discussion of substance. There is no discussion of actual governing and problem solving. There is just one gotcha question after another.
Trump was right not to play their game. I wish Cruz had also refused to participate.