Will Pitt: We need to reform and TAKE BACK the Debates

[impeach the gop]

Its all fixed by networks to mostly fluff and 1 min soundbites that give us absolutely NO information
in debth to make good choices when we vote for our very lives.

First I think we need to keep networks and Dnc, Dlc, and rnc and faux and their corporate welfare self
interest out of our rights to be informed with explanations to our concerns.

I believe Cspan should be the host. Maybe the League of Women Voters and all parties, even the
larouchies or the the space out doo da's party must be included.

And we the people will be able to ask the questions no matter if koppel or the fucking devil thinks
iti's boring.

This must be done if we ever want people, excuse me, people should be the COWARD to actually
have to ANSWER rather than get off with some clichie that insults serious debate. People will see who
is honest or not when these people are forced to answer. If the coward is the only one just unable
to go beyond his worn out chlichies believe me, people will see the phoney for what he is. If he
should take the chance to actually answer question, which he can't being a coward, this will be
on his record like a report card to actuallyNAIL his butt.

Take the networks out of our voting rights. I watch these talking heads cut off and change subject
to the most obscene non interest bull shit. Dean did good to take the issues away from the non issue
of abortion, gays, and flags which is taking the debate away from our jobs, our taxes, and the injustice
that we are not being able to have anysay what'so ever.

Sorry for ramble. But this could only help. And it can be done if we force them.

Will Pitt, I nominate you since you got contacts and your good with communicating. I can't talk cause
I just piss people off. You can do it cause your doing it everyday. You got the gift.

Think this is important. I really do. Would you think about it?

[xchrom]

1. i agree

though i'm not sure about a microphone hand off in a theater/auditorium.
i don't mind a reporter/host asking questions the audience or who ever the interesteed party has turned in.
no editing though.
and the debates should be real debates with enough time for candidates to spell out their positions.
actually -- i'm thinking a university with a real debate type person handling the event. i'm let these guys have at it.

[wryter2000]

2. League of Women Voters

Didn't the League of Women Voters throw up their hands in disgust and decide never to sponsor debates again? Can't say I blame them.

[KC21304]

6. I believe the parties took the debates away from the League

of Women Voters in 1988. And thanks to that we got Bernie Shaw asking Dukakis what he would do if his wife Kitty was raped.

Would like to have the main networks rotate with the League in control again. Don't know if C-Span has enough viewers.

[kalian]

3. Of course I agree with you...but...

unfortunately, the corporate controlled media would never allow this
to happen...AND...the sheeple of the US would not comprehend extensive
debates and/or "heavy information" that goes beyond a two-minute
sound bite.

Sorry...this country has been dumbed down too far for this to have
any effect in the long run.

[hippywife]

4. My email to NPR re: 1/6 Debate

Dear Mr. Conan...

I am writing to say how pleased I am that NPR is going to host a Democratic Presidential Debate. I am also writing to express my concern regarding the previous debates held by other media outlets. I have found them to be sloppily mediated and lacking in a real discussion of the issues.

I would love to see a debate that asks each of the candidates the same group of questions and allow them each the same amount of time to state their positions on the issues, both foreign and domestic, that are on the minds of the American people. With caucuses and primaries just over the horizon, and many voters not yet familiar with all of the candidates, it is intrinsic at this point that a mature, even-handed forum be conducted. Thus far, the only one I have seen come even remotely close to this was the one held this past summer at the OSU campus in Stillwater, OK.

Each and every candidate needs to be queried and judged on the same group of questions in order for the American people to have the opportunity to gauge one's policies against another. If one is asked a question about their stance on the war in Iraq and another is asked about the economy, there is not a balanced and accurate forum in which to compare their stances on the issues.

I am a loyal NPR listener and appreciate the integrity with which the news is usually reported. It is my sincere hope that balance and integrity of journalism will be the atmosphere in which this forum will be conducted.

Thank you very much for your time and attention to these concerns.

[KC21304]

7. Tell me more about the NPR debate. When is it going to be ?

I take it will be on TV, where ? If they take your suggestions to heart, that would be great.

[jkg4peace]

10. No TV - only radio broadcast

It will be at 2pm ET on Jan 6. Neal Conan is the moderator. It takes place in Iowa, and will last 2 hours. It will be webcast live on www.npr.org.

:kick:

[revcarol]

5. C-Span? Brian Lamm....hmmm

just asking for trouble.

[AP]

8. CSPAN is owned by cable companies. I'd like to let the Demcoratic Party

host a debate and chose its own moderators.

I loved to hear some softball questions designed to help Democrats chose from among the candidates.

[GreenInNC]

9. good debate history web site

I met the guys who are leading this and their web site is very eye opening: http://www.opendebates.org/