When is a debate going to be a debate?

[Serial Mom]

Definition: Debate or debating is a formal method of interactive and position representational argument. Debate is a broader form of argument than logical argument, which only examine the consistency from axiom, and factual argument, which only examine what is or isn't the case. Though logical consistency, factual accuracy as well as some emotional appeal to audience are important elements of the art of persuasion, in debating, one side often prevails over the other side by presenting superior "context" and/or framework of the issue.

They seem to be just mini commercials lately and who best can repeat talking points. They do not debate specific issues and STAY ON THE ISSUE!

Do they need to go back to high school to learn how to debate?

[hobbit709]

1. In a REAL debate ala Lincoln-Douglas

Obama and Biden would have chewed them up and spit out little tiny pieces of McCain's and Palin's asses and handed them back to them. The repukes don't dare let that happen.

[Serial Mom]

4. Knowledge of issue (s) - that is what I was looking for

A back & forth talk on why their positions would be better and work!

I think I heard one of the Lincoln-Douglas debates lasted 3 hours on one subject!

[Mist]

5. Yep, Rethugs can't do REAL debate. They know they'd flop. nt

[Ninga]

2. They feed us the pablum like we were babies. It will only change when the voters demand it,

other wise it will continue to be a dog and pony show vs. a real debate.

[opihimoimoi]

3. No Shit....I didn't appreciate Palin telling the mod she was going to talk straight to the American

People ....

That set the tone for her to deviate to her talking points memorized whenver it suited her.