"Unfortunately, I think the "breaking from the rules" hurt it more than anything else. If they had done a similar style of debate that Bush and Kerry had, it would have seemed less canned."

I think the actual debates seemed quite canned BECAUSE of the rules. Obviously, this was scripted so it inherently seemed canned, but as much as candidates prepare anymore, it is diffiult for any debate not to seem scripted. Still, I think all of the rules in the 2004 debate made them dull and turned many people off to them who may have otherwised paid better attention.
Mike McKain | 11.07.05 - 3:11 pm | #

Mike, I agree 100%. The intent was to make it seem less canned than the real debates, but because their "spontaneous responses" had a script, the effect was the opposite.

If they had "real debates" in presidential elections, the list of presidents would look very different.
Ryan S. | Homepage | 11.07.05 - 4:11 pm | #

Two fewer Presidents named Bush.
Jason | Homepage | 11.07.05 - 4:14 pm | #

You really think Dukakis would have beaten 41?

What the hell kind of fantasyland do you live in?
Ryan S. | Homepage | 11.07.05 - 5:08 pm | #