Why do people insist on calling the Kerry/Bush meets, debates?

[Gothic Sponge]

They are not debates at all! They are so controled and scripted, they are more like press conferences without spontaneous questions.

[dogtag]

1. Good question. (n/t)

[jean]

2. what would be a better label?

[Gothic Sponge]

3. The candidate press conferences

[xray s]

4. that is exactly what they are

Joint press conferences.

[nostamj]

5. I was a HS debater

I know debates

these are NOT debates.

photo ops, scripted 'events' but NOT debates....


de·bate ( P ) Pronunciation Key (d-bt)
v. de·bat·ed, de·bat·ing, de·bates
v. intr.
To consider something; deliberate.
To engage in argument by discussing opposing points.
To engage in a formal discussion or argument. See Synonyms at discuss.
Obsolete. To fight or quarrel.

v. tr.
To deliberate on; consider.
To dispute or argue about.
To discuss or argue (a question, for example) formally.
Obsolete. To fight or argue for or over.

n.
A discussion involving opposing points; an argument.
Deliberation; consideration: passed the motion with little debate.
A formal contest of argumentation in which two opposing teams defend and attack a given proposition.
Obsolete. Conflict; strife.

[AgadorSparticus]

6. i agree. they are more photo ops than debates.

hell, they could even save themselves the trouble of even showing up. just get lifesize cardboard cutouts to stand infront of the podium and pretape the answers to the preordained questions. this is not just a farce, but a ripoff. and once again, we, the american people, lose out.