Whose Debate?

With a slew of presidential debates leading up to the Iowa Caucuses and at least two more before the New Hampshire primary on Tuesday. The question needs to be asked: Who are all these debates really for?

Conventional wisdom says there not designed to make the candidates look less appealing or out of touch with the reality faced by the people whose vote they are seeking.

Logically, these debates are taking place in order to give perspective Republican voters the greatest opportunity to choose their candidate among the field of potential nominees. But how many debates would the average voter need before coming to a decision?

The high ratings for these contests suggest that most Republicans don’t have their candidate, yet.
It’s as if the average voter watches these debates pleading “Someone, please say something to win my vote.”

Perhaps, the debate heavy schedule is a primer for the general election campaign against President Obama, which is sure to be bruising affair.

But, how often is the Republican nominee going to really debate the President Obama 1 on 1? Maybe five times, at best. Furthermore, Barack Obama is a gifted orator, out-debating him is not a winning strategy.

Debates are not the domains of policy and ideas, which can beat President Obama in November 2012.

The Problem With Debate Policy

The Republican Presidential debate has produced some interesting sound-bites and late night comic fodder, but has it really produced much in terms of meaningful policy substance.

 I mean its’ great to tell the audience that your not Barack Obama in all, but what has any presidential candidate offered in terms of policy. When I say policy, I mean policy that can be enacted within the first few weeks of a new administration?

 Herman Cain has surged to the front of the pack for the simplicity of his 9-9-9 plan, but does he have the support to enact it within Congress? I’ve heard more talk about Mitt Romney’s gardener than policy substance. America needs substance, not three year olds throwing tantrums.

Debates are not the place for policy substance though…debates are designed to appeal to the base of Republican voters who will be voting in a primary. You have to appease the base as a candidate in primary and then do a spin-job to catch enough of the general electorate to win the actual election, without alienating your base.

 Candidate websites and voter guides are much better sources of information than these debates, which provide living proof that money doesn’t equal maturity. So for anyone voting in a primary, please only use the debates as a tool in making your decision, otherwise look to be sorely disappointed.