Pitiful Debate

Last night's presidential debate was easily the worst in years. The candidates began exceeding their time limits virtually from the start. Debate moderator Tom Brokaw should have taken preventive action by reminding the candidates BEFORE the debate that the lights around the stage signaled when their time was up. When the candidates exceeded their limits, Brokaw should have immediately cut them off. Instead, he repeatedly made snippy comments about the candidates' longwindedness. The candidates' verbosity and Brokaw's behavior made for a long, irksome evening.

In addition, none of the questions touched on any subject that wasn't covered in the first debate. Surely the thousands who submitted online questions and the audience in Nashville asked some good questions that dealt with something other than the economy, health care, and foreign affairs.

To this point in the campaign, the best debate was the Saddleback Church forum. The pastor asked some good, probing questions that touched on a variety of subjects. Brokaw could have learned some lessons if he had watched a tape of the program.

I have confidence that Bob Schieffer, who is professional and usually impartial, will ask good questions during the next debate. However, if he offers nothing new, I will turn off the TV.