How to get people to watch debates

jeopardyWith talk of John McCain and Barack Obama scheduling a series of Lincoln-Douglas-style debates, why not try a really different approach? “Change the format to game shows,” wrote John Schwartz in the New York Times. He pondered the possibilities of debates in the style of “Family Feud,” “The Newlywed Game” and, of course, “Jeopardy” (“I’ll take ‘Sunnis Versus Shiites’ for $600, Alex”). As for the idea that such formats would cheapen discourse, he said: “Game shows, we know, test general knowledge, the ability to think on one’s feet and other qualities we look for in our leaders. What have the current round of debates tested, aside from the candidates’ ability to mold a question into an opportunity to deliver the same memorized talking points?”

4 Comments

  1. JMWalker
    Posted May 30, 2008 at 6:03 am | Permalink

    Most extreme elimination! I’m down for that one.

  2. outlander
    Posted May 30, 2008 at 7:26 am | Permalink

    Obama- Alex, I’ll take “Style Over Substance” for $200.

    Hillary: Give me “Kennedy Family History”
    for $400.

    McCain: I’ll take “Television Ministries” for $1,000.

  3. Predestined
    Posted May 30, 2008 at 8:36 am | Permalink

    A game show format would certainly keep them from dancing around a question without ever answering it, a typical political “talent”.

  4. lindainks55
    Posted May 30, 2008 at 8:45 am | Permalink

    No matter the format, McCain won’t “show” well in a debate. Doesn’t matter which of the two remaining candidates is Democratic nominee – BOTH easily out debate McCain.