Opinion Piece: Modifying The Presidential Debates

If you’ve ever been on a debate team, or simply possess basic common decency, then you know it is rude to interrupt someone. Something tells me, and many Americans, that President Trump didn’t get this memo during the presidential debate on Tuesday night.

The commission that oversees US presidential debates says it will change the format to ensure the remaining two encounters between Donald Trump and Joe Biden are more orderly. Following this announcement, President Trump tweeted, “Why would I allow the Debate Commission to change the rules for the second and third Debates when I easily won last time?” President Trump interrupted former Vice President Joe Biden 73 times. The longest topic of conversation was the coronavirus, with a staggering 20 minute discussion.

Not much was spoken about during the presidential debate; it was mere chaos. Therefore, from a manners and behavior standpoint, Biden won. It is evident that alterations must be made for the next debates. The commission on Wednesday said, “the first debate made clear that additional structure should be added to the format of the remaining debates to ensure a more orderly discussion of the issues.” They are also considering cutting off a candidate’s microphone if they violate the rules. Additional changes would include allowing each candidate to make opening and closing statements at the debates and limiting the discussion phase during which the candidates can talk to each other.

Changes are clearly needed to be made. I hope for the sake of our country that the rules for the debates are changed and order is put into place.