There is not going to be a Democratic debate tonight.

[calteacherguy]

I know some of you have heard rumors of such, but they are untrue. The candidates will simply gather together on a stage and say a few words repeated from their numerous campaign speeches.

Not back to your regularly scheduled programming...

[Colobo]

1. If Republicans had one last time, we can have one as well.

[StudentProgressive]

2. At least not much of one.

[bigwillq]

9. Hello.

Welcome to DU! :hi:

[FrenchieCat]

3. You are correct....it will be a contest for the best soundbyte, best one liner, best two liner,

best smile, best poise, best comeback, best "Do", most Presidential! That's about it.

Substance on the issues? Well, I don't think that can happen in 30 seconds! :(

[napi21]

7. In all fairness to all the candidates, there's NO WAY you can fit

substance of any kind into the veryu short amount of time each candidate has to speak when the field is still so large!

[FrenchieCat]

8. That's why they should do debates the way they are supposed to work.....

One Topic, and follow the formal format. This "Put-together-by-infoNews/Corporate Media" stuff is killing us! Literally!

[jtrockville]

17. I'd rather see a series of candidate ads than this farce...

Calling this format a "debate" is soooo disingenuous.

[napi21]

21. I hope you change your mind a bit since it's now after the debate.

I agree, the first one hosted by Chris Matthews was a JOKE! But the one tonight was a LOT BETTER! With still 8 people on stage, I thought it went pretty well.

[jtrockville]

23. While it may not have been a joke, it wasn't a debate.

Call it a press conference, a Q&A session, or an infomercial. But don't call it a debate.

[Tara_NM]

4. pre judge much?

I'd rather save judgment for AFTER the debate not before it even starts.

[FrenchieCat]

10. If you've seen one, you've seen them all. Why "save" judgment

for what is bound to happen? It's not like any of the other debates, this year or in 2003-04 were any different.

Why fake like somehow there is gonna be a "breakthrough" this time? :shrug:

[Tara_NM]

11. I'm not faking anything

I guess I just live with a more positive attitude of hope and having a open mind than some other folks out there....Oh well, to each their own I guess.

[FrenchieCat]

13. That is ok.........

Just that some learn from the past....especially if it is ubber consistent! :hi:

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

5. I enjoy watching the candidates deal with worst possible forum for advancing their policies.

And I doubt that any will mention Jack Bauer as a possible solution to our gnarly diplomatic issues. MKJ

[AlCzervik]

6. i'll still watch them, i watch them all on both sides.

[Colobo]

14. Exactly. That's the intelligent thing to do.

[AlCzervik]

15. you know when you're a political junkie when you watch House race debates that

aren't even in district, never mind your state.

[partylessinOhio]

12. C-Span will take viewer's calls at 9pm tonight. I will switch and listen.

[Desertrose]

16. Just a personality reality show....

but hey...I just go in for the entertainment aspect.

Politics as a reality program...hmmm...what else is new??

DR

[sampsonblk]

18. Where can I watch this online?

nt

[spooky3]

19. maybe CNN has this? They are carrying it on TV.

[Ethelk2044]

20. Cnn has it on line.

You can also use the pipeline to check out the audience response.

[ClassWarrior]

22. So where did the OP go?

I mean, was this thread really meant to foster debate? Or was it just a drive-by shot at our candidates?

NGU.