Was that a debate or an episode of Jerry Springer?

[hedgehog]

First, the audience was totally out of control. Introducing the candidates one by one as if it was a prize fight set the tone. Repeatedly, the audience applause or heckling made it hard to hear what was being said and distracted the candidates. Worse yet, Blitzer had no control over the questions or the responses. Too many times several candidates were speaking simultaneously. Too many times, 4 or 5 candidates were asked a question and the others ignored. (The most egregious example happened early on when Dennis Kucinich was left out.) Too many times, accusations were flung out and left lying on the floor with no follow-up by Blitzer and no time allowed for response by the candidate attacked.

I think the candidates did try to mark out their differences, but I 'm afraid the message was lost in the shouting.

[SoFlaJet]

1. I have developed a good strategy when it comes to these debates

hedge-I stopped watching them. There are too many IMO. I'll tune back in after the new year-I'm already burned out on the debate process

[hedgehog]

2. Sadly, it's about the only opportunity those of us in non-first primary

states get to see the candidates in action. I really think the networks should show the complete, unedited stump speeches several times through the season. Let the candidates tell us what they consider important.

[rurallib]

3. I think the party out to set some guidelines for the crappy fauxnews

stations to follow or no show.

[damntexdem]

4. Well, it was likely closer to a debate, because ...

in the second half, the chairs stayed on the floor.

But I would have liked to see how Jerry would have done up there with the candidates.

Hey, Jerry Springer for president! Why not? After all, he's been a mayor, so he's as qualified as Ghooliani -- much more, so, actually.

[Egnever]

5. Just to be clear.

The audience reaction was encouraged. It was surprising to me but it was just the same. They wanted a "lively" debate. Also the crowd was very fired up because it was our states first chance to participate in such an event. The excitement going in was very high and the fact that when it was encouraged to run wild that it did should be no surprise.

At times it felt almost as if it was our candidates versus CNN and a lot of the loudest applause came at CNN's expense.

[zulchzulu]

6. There seemed to be a lot of alcoholics in the crowd

Vegas is not exactly a classy crowd....if you've had the misfortune of having been there...

[AtomicKitten]

7. I was waiting for the rotten vegetable catapult.

Oy vey.

[NoPasaran]

8. My favorite part was when Dennis wacked Edwards with that folding chair

:bounce:Jerry!:bounce:Jerry!:bounce:Jerry!:bounce:

The important thing is: what have we learned?

[MGKrebs]

9. Unfortunately, the alternative is the Daughters of the American

Revolution sponsoring a debate at Agnes Scott College moderated by that guy that does all the voice overs for PBS nature shows, only shown on C-SPAN.

I think they should allow the candidates to send surrogates to represent them. We don't need leaders who can stand there to put up with Wolf Blitzer ego-stroking himself and answering bullshit questions that have no real life connection. Let Joe Trippi and Mark Penn or Carville or whoever take care of this business.