Debates?

Although I generally think the debates are the real start of the presidential election, I also get bored with them quickly. These things are to debate what Bud Light is to beer. Although, I guess it's so watered down that the participants can actually come out of them without stumbling into passers-by.

What I'd like to see is a savage debate. I want candidates to not only be allowed to but also to actively address and question each other; I want rounds to go more than 2 volleys; I want the moderator to be able to cut a candidate's mic if he goes too far off topic; I want a judges booth that round-by-round scores factual accuracy; I want the moderator to report these things at the end of each round; I want the specific rules to be changed every election so that no party can develop a timeless, tried method for enduring; I want to see NOT side-by-side stump speeches that occasionally intertwine but tangled yet focussed attacks and defenses.

It'll still be more about composure than issues, but let's take the pads off and if there's room for hits to connect, let's let it happen. And let's score actual points, not feelings. Campaign stops are about feelings. The Dr. Phil show is about feelings. Interviews with the campaign children are about feelings.

This is about something more than George W. Bush looking a fraction of a bit grumpier than usual or John Kerry not truly, deeply connecting emotionally with the audience.

I find myself just not interested enough to post anything actually about the debates. That's what I'm saying.

(Cartoon posted from University of Wisconsin's The Daily archives)