Debate Survey

[H2O Man]

“If you can't say something nice, say something surrealistic.” – Zippy the Pinhead


Below are five general questions on debates in a presidential contest, including in both primaries and general election contests. I am interested in people's opinions. There are no “wrong” answers, only correct ones.

I will post my very favorite moment below.

How important do you think that debates are?

Do you watch all of the debates that are televised?

Are debates among primary candidates either more of less important than those of candidates in the general elections?

Is talent in “debating” an important skill for presidential (and vice presidential) candidates?

What was your favorite debate ?

Thank you,
H2O Man

[redstatebluegirl]

1. See below.

How important do you think that debates are?

Not very, since they are not really debates but commercials in 30 second bites.

Do you watch all of the debates that are televised?

Absolutely not, I have better things to do with my time. Nothing to be learned here, the answers are all canned.

Are debates among primary candidates either more of less important than those of candidates in the general elections?

Primaries are important but I think more people pay attention during the general. Either way, debates today are not debates in the true sense, if they were we would learn more about the candidates.

Is talent in “debating” an important skill for presidential (and vice presidential) candidates?

Yes, I think it is important that a candidate know how to handle a cold question and present his or her opinion in an intelligent, thought out manner. I just don't see these "debates" as a place where you see these skills.

What was your favorite debate ?

Kennedy and Nixon , none of the ones today.

[H2O Man]

2. Thank you!

Definitely the Kennedy vs Nixon is the very best. I was too young to vote then, but to this day, I love watching the film of it. JFK was, in my opinion, the greatest president of my lifetime, saving civilation during the missile crisis.

I have mixed feelings about the true value of debates. Once they are in office, presidents do not need to debate. However, as you note, there is a big advantage to being able to answer questions -- as both JFK and President Obama did so very well. Again, as you said, those skills are almost exclusively seen in settings other than debates.

I do not think it would be difficult to make what is called a "debate" these days into what the word actually implies. If a couple simple steps were taken, they would actually be of much, much more value. I suspect the ratings would be a lot higher, too.

[CalFione]

3. Debates played a big role in Amy's momentum in NH

I think they can matter.

Especially with this being the first one where the candidates can take on Bloomberg directly.

[H2O Man]

4. Valid point.

I had a very high opinion of her before that debate. I knew she would rub Trump's face in the shit he's pulled if she ever debated him. I'd be proud to work for her, if she is our party's nominee. Yet, in the NH debate, I thought she stepped it up way, way more. Very impressive.

[MoonlitKnight]

5. We need the League of Women's Voters running them again

The network hosted debates re just the “moderators “ trying to score points and stir up shit for ratings.

[Doremus]

6. +10000

[H2O Man]

7. Definitely!

I could not agree more! Thank you so much!