Going forward, do you think video evidence should be allowed in debates?

[apples and oranges]

I think 2012 presented a new set of challenges when it comes to presidential elections. How should we deal with liars? Maybe full context video clips that are preapproved could be allowed into future debates?

Maybe a law should be passed requiring a minimum of 15 years of tax returns? Maybe we also need mental competency tests to weed out future Bachmanns, Santorums, and Cains?

[Vincardog]

1. If notes are not allowed, why allow video? If we are going to allow video why not just go whole hog

and allow each side to produce its' own video segment in response to the prepared script?

[GulleyJimson]

2. Bring on the instant replay...

Challenges will be made and penalties invoked.

Some sports organizations allow referees or other officials to consult replay footage before making or revising a decision about an unclear or dubious play. This is variously called video referee, video umpire, instant replay official, television match official or third umpire. Other associations allow video evidence only after the end of the contest, for example to penalize a player for misconduct not noticed by the officials during play.

Get ready to rumble.

[LaydeeBug]

3. No. Editing can get too "creative" and there is no way to unsound the bell once its rung. nt

[elleng]

4. MAYBE notes, so challengers to liars can access 'evidence,' at least refer to it reliably.

Could be cumbersome, but better than nothing.

[graham4anything]

5. let's get rid of the debates

2012 proves there are Obama fans, there are Obama haters.

How and why should a bunch of people not paying attention, who know nothing about the USA in general and don't know which side of the road they are on,

why are those the only voters that matter are a few percent of people you wouldn't trust to take out your garbage

I know who I am voting for 20 elections from now. Anyone undecided in Oct. before the Nov. election doesn't deserve to be catered to.

the candidates do better using their time to press the flesh and get their vote out.

Debates are an antiquidated idea and the gotcha effect makes all meaningful conversation non-existent.

So let's get rid of them.

and I am serious.

It wastes a good month of precious time.
Al Gore won 3 debates. John Kerry won 3 debates. They were not president.
Bentsen won the debate, but Dukakis lost the election.
TV doesn't like smart people. They like liars.

and I love the pundits that say debates are meaningless, except of course for this years, being that they want Rmoney to win.

[Liberal_in_LA]

6. I wish!