The West Wing Debate

CNN.com – ‘West Wing’ candidates clash in live debate – Nov 7, 2005

I really enjoy The West Wing. As a show, while they have had many episodes I think were mediocre, they have also had shining moments in which they project an image of what politics could be like, and really should be like.

In this live debate episode they challenge the really stupid way in which presidential debates are conducted these days. There is, in fact, no point to the debates that we have. They are scripted media events with no real opportunity to evaluate the candidates.

Why do candidates do it that way?

Because we, the voters, let them by with it. We allow ourselves to be coaxed into making decisions based on media images, rather than going deeper into what the candidates have stood for in the past, what their experience is (and how well they went through that experience), and where they are going to go next.

I’d like to suggest something. If there are any further presidential debates that are run as scripted, rule-bound programs, that don’t give us an opportunity to really learn about the candidates, that spend two minutes on serious, complex issues, let’s just refuse to watch.

Change the channel.

Cut them off!

I don’t mean that we won’t vote or we won’t make a serious effort to learn about the candidates. But there are many ways to do that. There a newspaper stories and analyses. You can find a variety from a variety of viewpoints on the internet. There are the candidates’ web sites, their platforms and position papers. Find out what those are. Demand that they speak to your issues and answer your questions.

Further, demand that your media representatives–they are, after all, selling their product to you–provide you with information. If they ask a question, and the candidate gives the spin of the day instead of answering it, don’t air the answer. Throw out all the tape of saying the same thing.

Let’s hold politicians’ feet to the fire.