Can we get the presidential candidates to attend policy debates?

The presidential debates so far have been a mockery of a sham, featuring shallow questions, few follow-ups, and even worse in the case of the last CNN debate.

The following video proposes a new type of debate. Each candidate - together with their policy advisors - would face off with a panel of policy experts from across the spectrum. Those experts would ask the candidate a series of detailed questions designed to reveal the flaws in their arguments. Each segment would feature only one candidate and one specific issue, such as immigration or national security.

It would be great if something like this could be arranged before the end of the year, and it doesn't have to be a major production. In fact, it could simply be uploaded to Youtube with a transcript provided. In that case, the only major limiting factors would be getting the candidates to agree and then scheduling those involved.

Please contact those who could produce something like this and urge them to get involved. That includes think tanks, C-SPAN, Youtube, and educational institutions. Or, go to campaign appearances and ask the question on the video.

Politics · Mon, 11/26/2007 - 14:00 · · Importance: 1