Should the number of presidential primary debates be limited to three for each party?

No

5 of 7

by Geraldine Daniels

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Absolutely NO. The founding fathers built this country on the principle of democracy. Democracy gives everyone a voice; it's all about choices. Although it is sometimes gruesome to keep track of all candidates debating, choices are important. Let the current system work naturally.

The second reason against reducing the number of presidential primary debates to three is we are reducing, or more precisely, eliminating the right of candidates to choose to participate in debates and argue why they should be allowed to voice their reasons why they should be given the opportunity to serve their country. No process should exercise this degree of control over another person.

The third reason to promote more than three presidential debates for each party is that Americans need to listen to and express their opinions on the issues of the day. Issues that concern them everyday: Education, unemployment, employment, job opportunities, better pay, taxes, retirement, social security, whether to go to war, or stay in war. Through the enlightening elements of debate, candidates allow citizens to thrash issues around in their minds and even to participate themselves in debate with their colleagues, neighbors, friends and family members.

The fourth reason to discourage a reduction in debates is to ponder whether one person or entity will ever get to decide when to reduce the number to two, thereby begging the question: Will the number of debates one day be reduced to only one? If someone or entity can arbitrarily pick the number three for limiting presidential debates, that number can be changed to another suitable number. Moreover, the limit can be reduced to zero. That's it, choices will be gone because only person or some entity will get to decide. That's too much power to be held in one place.

The fifth reason to encourage more debates is balance. Whether you like a conservative or liberal point of view, it's good to listen to what the other side is saying. Maybe, just maybe, you might decide to change your point of view, or even modify your views for the sake of the common good.

The sixth reason to encourage more debates is accessibility. Given the varied schedules of Americans, having more debates at different times and places gives more individuals an opportunity to hear the views of candidates and make an informed voting decision.

If these reasons are not strong enough to convince you that reducing the number of debates to three is not a good idea, please think of another suitable argument yourself because it is a cause worth debating until the other side loses.

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