Reply #26: I have to agree and I will get slammed for it but.. [View All]

[incapsulated]

The herd has got to be culled at some point, and that includes everybody, even my guy.

What is the point of these debates, particularly at this point in the game?

The idea of "framing the debate" had merit early on, when the debate was being framed. But we are in the midst of the actual voting now. The point of these debates is for the voters to use them to help decide which candidate would best represent them in the general election. To do that, they have to have a reasonable chance of actually being nominated. Inspiring speeches are wonderful, but now is not the time. We are in the business of finally deciding on the nominee, here.

There comes a point where it is painfully obvious that certain candidates are simply never going to win a single state or any significant amount of delegates, let alone the nomination. That time is not yet, but after this round, it has to be looked at seriously.

Timahoe makes a very good point, and one that should be considered by Dean, Clark and Edwards supporters. Kerry will get a free ride in these debates precisely because they are so watered down. Neither Dean, Clark or Edwards will be able to establish themselves, and he won't have to deal with serious, prolonged questioning from the moderators or the other candidates. The time will be spread too thin over the numerous candidates, all which demand equal time, even though their standing in the primaries is nill.

You can always vote for whoever you want in the primaries, regardless of their chances. But for those of us who are mainly concerned with actually winning the primary, and not just taking part in it, these debates will need to be culled.