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Cooper: Debates should be tools for electorate

Representatives of a dozen Republican presidential candidates, some of whom are shown here at last week's CNBC debate, gathered Sunday to hammer out new guidelines for future debates.
Representatives of a dozen Republican presidential candidates, some of whom are shown here at last week's CNBC debate, gathered Sunday to hammer out new guidelines for future debates. Representatives of a dozen Republican presidential candidates, some of whom are shown here at last week's CNBC debate, gathered Sunday to hammer out new guidelines for future debates.

By Clint Cooper 2 min read

Party presidential debates could be one of the most valuable tools for the electorate in determining which of the candidates should get their vote.

Could be but aren’t, as of yet.

Last week’s CNBC Republican debate appeared to be the last straw for the GOP candidates, who demanded – independent of the Republican National Committee – more control over the events.

They’re right for wanting it, but what emerges needs to work for everybody.

The three Republican debates – and to a small extent the single Democratic debate – have been sessions in which the hosts tried to entice candidates to answer have-you-stopped-beating-your-wife questions and to argue with each other.