Debates, sort of

There is further news about the timing and format of the presidential "debates". As I wrote here, McCain proposed more use of the "town hall" format of taking questions from the audience. He also suggested that, in light of the fact that the nominations were decided by early June, there was no need to wait until after the conventions to begin the debates. Obama has rejected McCain's proposals.

The debates will be at the times, and in the formats, that have become standard since televised presidential debates originated in 1960, and became a regular occurrence since 1976.

Neither side seems interested in a format similar to that used in the Lincoln-Douglas debates during the Illinois Senate campaign of 1858. That is somewhat close to the suggestion I made here, of having true debates rather than joint press conferences.

I think we can all agree on one thing: it would be a better world if the politicians paid more attention to Exploring the Political Spectrum!