A bit of fun.

[Talitha]

Some 'Fantasy Rules' for the next debate....

All candidates will be in glass booths equipped with microphones and speakers. They will be able to hear everything but unless they are recognized as a speaker, their microphone's volume level would be very low - or turned off if they prove to be disruptive.

As usual, a Moderator would ask a question to a specific candidate. When they reply, the volume of their microphone would be raised. When their time expires (IIRC it's 1.25 min), an auto-timer would shut the mic off but Mods would be able to extend their time if needed.

If another candidate would like to chime in, they'd push a button and a light would glow on their podium, indicating that they'd like to be recognized. Again, the auto-timer would be employed (IIRC it's 15 seconds for a rebuttal) and again, the Mod could turn the auto-timer off if needed.


Like I said, it's a fantasy - and no doubt the rules need tweeking. But IMO, the debate would be civilized if not downright dignified. And as a bonus, the rules would apply when our Nominee debates donny doll-hands. No more stalking our Nominee. No more interjected comments. And if he starts screaming beyond a certain decible level, the sound would automatically be lowered. He'd blow a gasket!

[relayerbob]

1. I was saying something similar to my wife

IF they know their mics are off and they have only a short time to respond (although I would give at least 2 minutes for a primary answer and a minute for followup, 75 second is barely enough to get a cogent detailed answer on anything), they won't be abl to interrupt and they will be able to provide more specifics to others' issues.

[Liberty Belle]

2. Add an obnoxious overtime buzzer and a dunk tank for telling whoppers.

Trump would be underwater every time he opened his mouth.