The presidential debates, between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, including the October 19 debate, suppressed serious discussion of issues. The speeches were limited to two minutes each. Important national issues require more than two minutes. For example, moderator Chris Wallace asked an important question about the federal debt. This issue, much in the news for several years, involves complex matters: tax collections, fiscal stimulus, government spending, Medicare, and Social Security, just for a start. Different economists have much different opinions. To discuss that issue in two minutes is impossible.
I have no idea whether either candidate is capable discussing economics (or any other issue) intelligently and thoroughly, but we will never know from the debates. The format encouraged the candidates to talk in sound bites and catch phrases. They repeated standard talking points, but there was no chance to explain their reasons.
Catch phrases are no substitute for sound governance.
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