Reply #26: I respectfully disagree [View All]

I don't think that the number of debates trivializes anything. But the STYLE they have for what they laughingly call a "debate" does trivialize the candidates and their messages by not allowing them to speak in anything more than sound bites. I don't know if you are familiar with the Lincoln-Douglas debates, but frankly I'd rather see something like that, with two candidates at a time, than what they have now. And don't tell me Americans won't listen. Last year, Lincoln's Cooper Union speech was read by the actor Sam Waterston in modern dress. The speech was spellbinding, and everyone in the hall gave him a standing ovation when he was finished. I CRAVE this sort of reasoned, intelligent discourse on the weighty issues of the day.