This might just be high levels of baseline cynicism, but I don’t really see changing the particular debate tactics used to change much of anything.
By the time it gets to televised debates, the choices have already been narrowed down to Blue policy vs Red policy (with a small change in the relevant party’s policy, based on the individual candidates). It’s still a debate between two people who are disproportionately wealthy, educated (particularly in law), and well-connected. The vast majority of the vetting goes on in local politics, finding those who are able to curry favor, run campaigns, do PR, and be politically savvy in general.
And given that it’s essentially a choice between Red and Blue policy, the way to do better at that game is deciding whose policy is better, supporting that side, and leaning on both to make better choices. Changing the debate rules is just going to change how the same politicians prepare for debates, and maybe flip an election outcome or three. Everyone with political influence is going to have roughly the same amount of influence.
the way to do better at that game is deciding whose policy is better, supporting that side, and leaning on both to make better choices.
Once you’ve given your support, it’s only the threat of stopping that support which provides pressure. Instead, you could support a minor party, or agitate for a particular issue, which may put pressure on both parties to move in your direction, seeking your vote.
This might just be high levels of baseline cynicism, but I don’t really see changing the particular debate tactics used to change much of anything.
By the time it gets to televised debates, the choices have already been narrowed down to Blue policy vs Red policy (with a small change in the relevant party’s policy, based on the individual candidates). It’s still a debate between two people who are disproportionately wealthy, educated (particularly in law), and well-connected. The vast majority of the vetting goes on in local politics, finding those who are able to curry favor, run campaigns, do PR, and be politically savvy in general.
And given that it’s essentially a choice between Red and Blue policy, the way to do better at that game is deciding whose policy is better, supporting that side, and leaning on both to make better choices. Changing the debate rules is just going to change how the same politicians prepare for debates, and maybe flip an election outcome or three. Everyone with political influence is going to have roughly the same amount of influence.
Once you’ve given your support, it’s only the threat of stopping that support which provides pressure. Instead, you could support a minor party, or agitate for a particular issue, which may put pressure on both parties to move in your direction, seeking your vote.