Midwest Voices

E. Thomas McClanahan

The Kansas City Star

Being a debate moderator is a job that requires balance. You want to impose some sort of structure, but the structure isn’t an end in itself — contrary to all the post-debate carping on the web this morning.

My impression was that Jim Lehrer’s approach was to avoid inserting himself into the action too overtly, an occasional sin committed by bloated-ego newies in debates past.

The moderator’s job should be to guide the speakers into a few topics and stay out of the way while the candidates go at it. In the process we learn something about the character and gravitas of the candidates by judging their body language and expressions — often much more revealing than spoken words.

It’s an imperfect way of choosing a president, perhaps, but what is? It’s important for voters to take the measure of the men who would have power over us. Lehrer’s decision not to be a stickler on the time limits was reasonable.

Comments

1. 

   George Hunsucker

   Northland

   7 months, 2 weeks ago

   The libs need something/someone to blame for the 0’s performance. So, Lehrer becomes the whipping post.

   Libs know that as people realize the CHOICE they have with a Romney/Jimmy II race they will increasingly choose hope, freedom and a brighter tomorrow vs. 4 more years of declining economic status for the middle class.

   Kinda feel sorry for them, but only a tiny bit. Go R&R!!!

2. 

   George Hunsucker

   Northland

   7 months, 2 weeks ago

   Or here’s another “explanation” …..

   http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/10/04/gore-blames-denver-altitude-for-obama-debate-performance/

   These libs actually believe this tripe….

3. 

   William R. Nelson

   7 months, 2 weeks ago

   The Politico has a curious autopsy of Obama’s debate strategy entitled ‘How Obama’s debate strategy bombed.’

   I say curious because I’m not sure in what universe simple reliance on the force of Obama’s personality could be considered ‘strategy.’

4. 

   Mark Hastert

   7 months, 2 weeks ago

   I think the moderator needs to be given the tools needed to impose a little discipline when needed. A mute button that automatically shuts off the speaker’s mic when they go say 10 seconds over their allotted time and that stays off until it’s the candidates turn to speak again? I know these guys are accustomed to bulldozing their way past the moderator but they should learn to play by the rules. Having the moderator point out that the candidate has not addressed the question would be good too. It would certainly discourage the “I get to give the answer I want” responses.

   I will say that the quiet audience was a real plus. Not having partisans hoot & holler at “zingers” will discourage their use and focus on issues.

5. 

   George Hunsucker

   Northland

   7 months, 2 weeks ago

   Here is the reason jilly II lost….

   http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/culture/2012/10/cover-story-the-first-presidential-debate.html

6. 

   George Hunsucker

   Northland

   7 months, 2 weeks ago

   New person to blame… Now it is Lurch’s fault…..

   the bgi 0, what a “leader”….

   http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/10/06/Obama-Blames-Kerry

7. 

   Suzanne Conaway

   7 months, 2 weeks ago

   I wasn’t please with anyone’s performance. I thought Romney was bossy and sometimes rude and Obama was lackluster.

   However, Lehrer seemed to lose control after the first two minutes. He looked old, tired and weak. I seriously wondered about his health.

   Lehrer just seemed like he was clueless.

   And George, I don’t blame Leher for Obama’s performance.

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