Are Televised Presidential Debates Bad for Democracy?

Are Hollywood-style debates really in the best interests of American democracy?  Isn’t the whole television format fixed in favor of one side?  They’re less about ideas and principles, and more about showmanship, it seems.  Why can’t the GOP just say No.  Here are 5 points to consider:

1.The whole televised debate, a circus really, is completely controlled by liberal national media which is solidly in support of the Democratic Party.  There isn’t even one news source that conservatives can trust.  Even Fox would like to see itself as “balanced” or moderate.

2.  Politicians running for America’s highest office shouldn’t have to emulate television glamor stars, emphasizing good looks, makeup, hair, and entertaining remarks. Perhaps we should field all candidates from the ranks of Hollywood celebrities, though Ronald Reagan was the last conservative we’ll probably ever see from that industry.

3.  Honest answers don’t stand much of a chance in the debates.  Conservative values are ridiculed, while liberal sentiments are affirmed.  “What will you do for women?” a handpicked person from the audience asks.  There is no time to develop a response other than to make one welfare-type promise after another.

4.  Televised debates further strengthen the monopoly of the liberal national networks, legitimizing their news reporting as authoritative.  The whole thing is blending with the Academy Awards and the Superbowl as a form of entertainment.

5. While the Democrats plant themselves unabashedly in a liberal world, Republican candidates like McCain and Romney seem fearful about offending anyone.  In the debates, they come across as watered-down Democrats.