CNN’s weak debate rules
In his column Sunday, "The Old Man vs. the Con Man doesn’t make anyone proud,” (July 7), Bill Stanley blames “big money,” “an imperfect nominating process” and the “mainstream media” for giving us two flawed candidates for president. But the debates themselves are part of the problem: they allow candidates to avoid questions, give answers that contradict what they’ve said before, and just throw mud at the other guy.
The moderators ought to insist that each candidate answer each question asked before giving them another one to answer. Shut off their mics if they don’t answer the question. Let them storm off if they’re unwilling to answer. Donald Trump deflected and dodged direct questions. He seemed unable to say yes or no, and to explain why he holds an opinion. His vagueness lets people believe what they want about his positions.
Why do networks give a platform to candidates who won’t answer questions? We want to hear candidates tell us what they'll do, not hear them repeat one-liners or sling mud. And if they won’t tell us where they stand, they don’t belong on the national stage — or in the White House.
William Hoelzel
Weatogue
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