Do you think candidates would ever agree to mic off/on in sync with the timer?

[MadDAsHell]

I've always wondered why, if interruptions and going "past your time" is such a big deal in debates, why the hosts don't just sync the mics to turn off and on depending on whose turn it is to speak and how much time they're given?

Or would the candidates never agree to this?

Or maybe the networks secretly love the interrupting, combative style because it makes for better drama?

[Lisa0825]

1. I think your last point nails it.

But I really wish they would try it!!! It drives me nuts when they interrupt and talk all over each other!

[dae]

4. Ditto

[Divine Discontent]

2. I am for that, and 15 seconds of add-on time they can press a button and add on....

up to 3 minutes during a debate (so twelve 15 second add-ons), otherwise, their mic goes silent until it's discussion time and they can be talking over each other until the next 2 minute question begins.

[dae]

3. Showing manners would be nice, especially if your

opponent does not have any.

[frazzled]

5. I've always thought they should have a bell go off for viewers to hear

So that everyone is aware if a candidate is bogarting the mic. It's fine to finish up in 15 or 20 seconds after the signal, but I saw it get really abused last night.

[katmondoo]

6. Sometimes you just have to

A debate means a challenge not a speech

[awoke_in_2003]

9. They play music at the Oscars

when people go on too long.

[Nitram]

7. I think it should be tried. I like the idea to have a button that adds an extra 15 seconds.

The button will work once and then is inert for 5 minutes.

[irisblue]

8. I wanted an airhorn last night

[pinboy3niner]

10. When time is up they could just play sad trombone