The Rules of Debate

[seer]

More enlightening.

I got through the first hour or so, but didn't see any change. That must happen later on.

[Sparko]

More enlightening.

You're nuts. No matter what you think of politics or Clinton or Trump, the debate will probably be the most entertaining thing all week on TV. Like watching a trainwreck live. Heck two trainwrecks!

[rogue06]

Interesting.



What's more important, perhaps, is that even if he 'behaves himself', he could still be perceived as a schoolyard bully. He really needs to be respectful while still appearing to be in command.

All Rick Lazio had to do to be characterized as a bully was hand Hillary a document during their debate which he asked her to sign that would affirm a pledge to abstain from accepting "soft money." That was it. Hillary, of course, refused.

[Mountain Man]

All Rick Lazio had to do to be characterized as a bully was hand Hillary a document during their debate which he asked her to sign that would affirm a pledge to abstain from accepting "soft money." That was it. Hillary, of course, refused.

Heck, Trump could be the perfect gentleman, and the media would probably still accuse him of being a "bully". Or maybe they would accuse him of being sexist for refusing to get tough with Clinton just because she's a woman.

[Sparko]

Heck, Trump could be the perfect gentleman, and the media would probably still accuse him of being a "bully". Or maybe they would accuse him of being sexist for refusing to get tough with Clinton just because she's a woman.

Well if Hillary acts hurt and bullied, then she is too weak to be POTUS. No playing victim if she wants to be leader of the free world.

[rogue06]

Well if Hillary acts hurt and bullied, then she is too weak to be POTUS. No playing victim if she wants to be leader of the free world.

Exactly. A shrinking violet doesn't have what it takes to stand up to folks like Putin and leaders of other countries that strive to do us harm.

[Sparko]

Exactly. A shrinking violet doesn't have what it takes to stand up to folks like Putin and leaders of other countries that strive to do us harm.

oops. I said "leader of the free world" - that is going to trigger Starlight again.

[seer]

oops. I said "leader of the free world" - that is going to trigger Starlight again.

Haven't you been warned enough about using trigger words!

[Sparko]

Haven't you been warned enough about using trigger words!

It's what I do.

[seer]

It's what I do.

You're a pirate - I forgot...

[One Bad Pig]

You're nuts. No matter what you think of politics or Clinton or Trump, the debate will probably be the most entertaining thing all week on TV. Like watching a trainwreck live. Heck two trainwrecks!

To be fair to SoR, he said "enlightening," not "entertaining."

[Sea of red]

To be fair to SoR, he said "enlightening," not "entertaining."

I imagine the debates being sort of like a demo-derby. Lots of entertaining chaos, but costing everyone involved a lot of money.

[Sparko]

You're a pirate - I forgot...

no. Troll Magnet.

[One Bad Pig]

In the end though people are voting for the party, not the person - just as they did in 08'.

To an extent, yes. IMO some will vote for HRC just to see a woman president, just like (to a greater extent) people voted for BHO just to see a black president. Regardless, the person matters to the extent that he or she can energize the voter base and get them to the polls.

[Sea of red]

To an extent, yes. IMO some will vote for HRC just to see a woman president, just like (to a greater extent) people voted for BHO just to see a black president. Regardless, the person matters to the extent that he or she can energize the voter base and get them to the polls.

Like I said before, it's the party people actually vote for. Most people don't really like the candidates that end up representing the party at all. What people vote for is the platform that represent their beliefs more closely - even if that means voting for dishonest/corrupt people.