Well, we all saw the debacle that unfolded when a bully unleashed trampled all over what should have been an informative debate last night. Given Trump’s behavior as president, the performance wasn’t unexpected, so I was amazed that Chris Wallace and the debate committee/sponsor allowed a format for that to happen, and did not have an agreed backup plan to address it immediately. It led Biden at times to take the bait, unfortunately, which further devalued the event.
Clearly the rules for the subsequent 2020 presidential candidate debates need to be changed: each candidate’s microphone will be on only during the prescribed period of time when it is his turn to speak. Each will have a chance to answer the question submitted, and give a rebuttal afterwards. This precludes verbal brawls, empty of information.
The debate sponsors should notify both campaigns that if either candidate refuses to participate under these new rules, the remaining candidate will be allowed to use the valuable air time to answer the debate questions submitted to him by a moderator who will quote his opponent’s views on the topic so as to provide an informed comparison — an informative interview and comparison of the candidates. This will be far more valuable than what transpired last night.
This last condition should motivate both candidates to participate. But even if it doesn’t, then this condition will send a strong message to present and future presidential debate participants: those who fail to follow rules that ensure the basic civil right of allowing opponents to express his/her views uninterrupted will result in the uncivil ones not speaking at all. If I knew how to start a petition about this, I would because I think it would go viral.