If & when the next Presidential Debate happens

[KS Toronado]

We should demand that the moderator's only functions will be as time and peace keepers.
(Maybe allow them a few questions.)

No more asking predetermined questions that were handed out prior to the debate so candidates can
brush up on a subject.

A moderator would never ask " If elected, is your goal to be President for life?"
"Why did you destroy all the transcripts of your meetings with Putin?"
"Why didn't you call out the National Guard on Jan 6th?"
"Is it true you wanted protesters shot so you could walk across the street and hold a bible up?"
"Why did so many of our undercover secret agents disappear right after you asked for a list of them?"
And the list goes on & on, but you get the idea.

Why not get down & dirty in the mud pit, watch 2 guys ask and answer questions only from each other?
Let's see who can think on his feet and is knowledgeable about things necessary to be Commander in Chief.

Plus we know TSF would never agree to these terms, he'd demand prior knowledge of the softball questions
he'd be asked. Then we'd have a huge talking point... "Why is he afraid to debate?"

[oldsoftie]

1. There is ZERO upside to Biden debating that idiot.

He'll talk over him (and the mic wont get cut), he'll insult him, he'll spout lies repeatedly, etc. And unfortunately Biden just will not be able to keep up & counter the firehose of bullshit. And he'll end up looking weaker because of it. And I know everyone here will come after me for saying it, but if you're totally honest with yourself you'll see that this is a disaster waiting to happen.

UNLESS they make the rules to prevent Trump from doing all the shit he usually does. But I'll bet that simply will not happen. They'll let him wander the stage, cut Joe off, talk over him, make shit up, lie about both their records, etc etc.
Sorry, I'm not backing this.

[KS Toronado]

2. So you're saying no debates?

Sorry but I believe Biden would make TSF look like the idiot he is.

[oldsoftie]

5. I'd hope you're right but optics say probably not.

Biden can surely say he'll debate, but the DNC better damn well make sure there are real rules & powers in place for it.

[Duncanpup]

10. I agree on making trump look idiotic

[Stardust Mirror]

3. Maybe Joe is calling Mango Mussolini's bluff?

Sure, I'll debate you Donny Boy, with reasonable rules which I know you'll never agree to and then you'll just whine about how Joe won't debate you but I'll point out the proposed rules and everyone will see how reasonable they are and what a coward Drumpf is to not agree to abide by them.

What a silly concept, right? Bankruptcy Boy following rules?!? Ha!

[Lonestarblue]

4. Debate Trump only if the moderator has the ability to shut off microphones.

Otherwise, Trump will be all over the stage while Biden is speaking and will constantly talk all over him.

Given what has been reported about Trump’s nonsense words at his rallies when he freezes and can’t recall his subject, I wonder whether Trump’s handlers would even let him debate. He’s far more likely to demonstrate confusion and potential dementia than he is to make points with voters. Everyone already knows that he is focused solely on vengeance and trying to put his political opponents in jail.

[oldsoftie]

6. Thats what I've pointed out too. Without tighter controls its a hard NO

[ShazzieB]

9. ⬆️ This, right here. ⬆️

Especially this:

Given what has been reported about Trump’s nonsense words at his rallies when he freezes and can’t recall his subject, I wonder whether Trump’s handlers would even let him debate. He’s far more likely to demonstrate confusion and potential dementia than he is to make points with voters.

I posted pretty much the same thing yesterday: https://www.democraticunderground.com/100218901423#post44.7

He is deteriorating rapidly, and evenings (when debates are usually held), are the worst time of day for him, because of a phenomenon called sundowning.

I think this is the real reason he didn't participate in the GOP primary debates, and I didn't think he'll debate Biden, either.

[Talitha]

7. How about some debate qualifications?

You qualify IF you can go two weeks without 1) lying or 2) nodding off in court.

[Rhiannon12866]

8. And turning off TFG's microphone when it's not his turn to speak!