CNN’s “debate” that included about a dozen presidential republican hopefuls on Wednesday evening wasn’t a promising ordeal in many facets.
The news outlet, which typically attracts Independents and those who aren’t affiliated with a political party, took away what should have been a respectful, audience-driven spectacle and has replaced it with a circus, for lack of a better word, driven by viewership and not actual politics.
After a few minutes of viewing the evening programming, it was a wonder that it wasn’t titled “The Donald Trump Show.” After opening statements, the first question, without easing into it at all was, “Everyone, do you trust Trump with the following two things: fingers and nuclear codes?”
Debates are sacred in the political battleground for the upper tier of politicians to discuss our issues and let us know where they stand on them.
They shouldn’t be used as a platform for candidates to attack each other deliberately, especially when it’s being set up by the moderator, like on Wednesday. Let’s cut it out with 11 individuals rotating their heads side-to-side clucking zingers at each other.
“Carly Fiorina, Donald Trump made some comments about you, saying, ‘Look at that face. Would anyone vote for that? Can you imagine that, the face of our next president?’ What’s your response to that?” shouldn’t have been verbalized in the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
Are we tuning in for he said, she said? Or are we here to attempt to distinguish a clear favorite for the Republican Party? Or has reality television expanded to yet another channel?
Trump and Jeb Bush even sunk as low as to give each other a low-five on live television at a debate. Moments later, Trump offered up a high-five to Dr. Ben Carson, who made a comment about advice he gave President George Bush in regards to the Iraq War, to which Carson met him 10 percent and Trump grabbed his hand for a hearty shake.
And, as always, the floor was open oftentimes to whoever was the loudest. Some candidates, notably Fiorina and Ohio Gov. John Kasich, weren’t allowed to speak for minutes at a time, but were later given a few extra moments to make up for it.
Republicans, Independents and those who aren’t party-affiliated need to be educated on their candidates, not entertained.
And what’s the worst of it all? We have about 13 and a half more months of this beast, which will likely increase in its ferocity as the primary election draws closer.
Let’s hope this doesn’t become a contest who can say the least amount of unintelligent, ill-advised, off-the-wall comments. Let’s pay attention to the ones who have a plan and a vision for a better America.