Most people have at least basic cable, so I'm wondering, how many people have actually sat and watched at least one round of questions on any Presidential debate since they've begun this year?
If you haven't, why not?
I haven't. Of course I don't have basic cable either. If I did, I still don't think I would. Questions aren't answered in a debate, either due to time constraints, or because no one wants to go out on a limb and put forth an answer that might make it seem like they have a stand on something. And as I understand it, the "real" questions weren't picked, only the ones that proved entertaining to the viewing audience.
What's your opinion of the debates? If you watched them were they a waste of time? If you didn't, do you feel you missed out on something relevant?
2007-12-04 06:37:13 · 6 answers · asked by Tonya in TX - Duck 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
If someone is getting something out of these "debates" that will help them decide who to vote for I think that's GREAT! Seriously.
Even though I haven't watched any, I have to go with my gut instinct and what I've heard about them, and I'm not seeing anything to make me even WANT to vote right now.
2007-12-04 06:51:51 · update #1
There have been NO debates this political season. There have been a few Q and A sessons intended to get a few sound bites and a gotcha or two for news media but that is all.
2007-12-04 06:42:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Debates can be more or less useful depending on how abreast you are of the issues and how closely you follow presidential politics.
If you don't follow the circus regularly, then you will be able to hear these candidates robotically repeat their campaign stomp speeches on certain issues.
If you do keep up, then most likely you've already cemented your stance on the key issues and you already know where the candidates stand so for the most part you are watching for candidates to slip up, flip-flop, or in some cases fight.
There are those rare moments, however, when you actually learn something or hear an argument presented in a new way that sheds light not only on the issue, but also the candidate. I'll give you an example: I was on the fence about driver's licenses for illegal immigrants after the media blew the Spitzer and Clinton issue out of proportion. Barack Obama, in my opinion stood out among all candidates and elucidated the facts from the folly and explained that it is indeed a public safety issue---no driver's license=no insurance. Illegal immigrants WILL DRIVE so they should be able to get insurance so I will be protected. Also, he pointed out that the reason that the media (especially right wing) made a big deal about it was to divert attention from the failures of Congress (particularly the GOP) and Bush Adm. to pass comprehensive immigration reform.
Mike Huckabee in the GOP debate had a similar moment when explaining why he supported in-state merit scholarships for children of illegal immigrants in Arkansas.
So yes, debates can be helpful even though the questions are usually weak and answers are typically shallow.
2007-12-04 14:55:59 · answer #2 · answered by I'm right 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I've watched all of them and I'm listening to the NPR debate now.
If you don't watch and listen, how do you know if they're having a debate?
2007-12-04 14:44:51 · answer #3 · answered by Zardoz 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, not a waste of time they were kind of fun and you start hating some of the candidates so it narrows your choices down.
2007-12-04 14:45:11 · answer #4 · answered by Noname4now 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no I haven't, mostly because I find them to spew the same old information each time. guess i am a little jaded.
2007-12-04 15:23:26 · answer #5 · answered by bran72072 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Hubert D. These are not debates they are silly. I want to see them duke it out and defend their positions on important topics.
.
2007-12-04 14:47:56 · answer #6 · answered by Jacob W 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋