Presidential debates, once hailed as a cornerstone of democracy, have become a regrettable spectacle that undermines the very values they claim to uphold. No longer do candidates engage in meaningful exchanges of ideas or answer questions directly. Instead, they resort to prepared talking points, baseless attacks, and a relentless stream of falsehoods. The result is a farcical performance that leaves voters more confused and disillusioned than before.
Commentators and news networks, driven by ratings and advertising revenue, clamor for these debates, arguing that they provide the public with the opportunity to assess the candidates and make informed decisions. However, the reality is far from this lofty ideal.
In the current debate format, candidates have free rein to spout whatever they wish, with little regard for facts or accountability. They can launch into unrelated tangents, dodge questions, and spew a torrent of lies, knowing that there is no mechanism to effectively challenge them. Moderator attempts to maintain order are often met with defiance and disrespect.
The consequences of this charade are severe. Voters are deprived of the opportunity to truly scrutinize the candidates’ policies, values, and character. Instead, they are subjected to a barrage of misinformation and personal attacks that cloud their judgment and erode trust in the political process.
The recent presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump exemplified the depths to which these events have fallen. Trump repeatedly interrupted Biden, refused to follow the agreed-upon rules, and unleashed a torrent of falsehoods so rapidly that Biden could scarcely keep up. The result was a chaotic and uninformative spectacle that left viewers disgusted and bewildered.
Some argue that these debates are still valuable because they provide a glimpse into the candidates’ personalities and communication skills. However, it is questionable whether these qualities are truly relevant to their ability to govern effectively. In fact, the ability to lie convincingly and manipulate the media may be more detrimental to the country than the ability to articulate a coherent policy platform.
Given the current state of presidential debates, it is time to reconsider their usefulness. If they are not serving the intended purpose of informing voters and promoting a fair and honest electoral process, then perhaps it is better to do away with them altogether. The time and resources spent on these farcical events could be better utilized in ways that actually contribute to an informed and engaged citizenry.
