From what I've seen and heard, I'm afraid that the debates for the American presidential elections will be more like insults, the search for shock phrases to make the Buzz, or else it will be reduced to slogans that will flatter people.
But I'm afraid that the substantive issues that are important for the USA and its future will be treated superficially, without deep reasoning.
In short, I fear the worst for my American friends.
Am I wrong in thinking that the level of debate in the next American presidential elections will not be very deep?
Since when have they ever been "deep"? Politicians usually avoid real issues and try to pander to the largest number of potential voters with empty platitudes and slogans. Their talking points are based on polls, not personal commitment. And they always try to set themselves apart by attacking the positions of other candidates. It's like professional wrestling where, afterwards, they laugh and party together.
Politicians rarely mean what they say. They are salesmen. They say what they think people want to hear. It's the ones like Sanders and Gabbard who diverge from party policy who get sandbagged, regardless of their popularity. Trump was the exception.
And notice how many politicians follow through on their campaign promises. Obama went back on every single one of his.
I think you are likely to be proved unfortunately right because that is how politics has gone in the West. Slogans, memes and insults.
Is it any better in French elections?
In Australia we are being asked to make a constitutional change. You might think a constitutional change would merit serious discussion on the pro and cons but no. It is all slogans, memes and insults.
I think politicians have long since decided we don't respond to reasoned argument and it doesn't do them any harm not to have anything more advanced than that "there will be rainbows and unicorns in the sky with my policy".
like biden saying "i am not perfect but at least i am not trump" that was the "issues and policies" in the debate. at least harris pointing out biden POLICY on the bussing Integration issue was policy but dnc wanted an anti-black biden.
The debates always seemed like political theater to me. I usually already know who I'm going to vote for when I watch the final debates. I try to learn about the candidates beyond the debates however, sometimes they might say something early in the primary debates that will spark my interest to learn more about them.
Debate doesn't work because most people are so entrenched in their beliefs no amount of evidence or reason will shift them. What does work is echoing peoples fears and demonizing the opposition.
the debate isn't intended to "convince" the other candidates. people need to hear the REASONS each side has for their policy and why they reject the opposing reasoning. but that doesn't happen both accurately call each other names.
Vivek adds a good twist. I'd rather see someone interview them to gather information, and have moderated discussions to challenge their policies and thinking.
If you look at someone like Trump then he literally does not even have a policy in his platform. All he is running on are things like culture war nonsense and nothing regarding what he would actually do when in office.
he didn't have a policy? to build a wall? that activist judges delayed? to protect fetus that feels PAIN from abortion? everyone knows about wall but you say " nothing regarding what he would actually do when in office." anti truump are do pathetic.
Debates are rarely very deep. Politicians are very good at not answering the questions, and mostly refer to what they would do if elected, promises that are rarely kept.
Discourse died in the US in 2011 when Obama used Identity Politics to secure an in-trouble re-election due to economic issues. It worked and has been used since. Now it is rooted in the current culture.
I agree we tend to talk about politics in a very shallow way and we often get too obsessed with leaders like trump. I support Trump but I get annoyed with all the hero worship of him.
politicians in essence merely cast their vote on how to spend public monies. Other politicians have different opinions on where it should be spent. As none of it is sent to my bank account , politics is very , very boring
0
3 Reply
Opinion Owner
2 mo
caveat being its different in usa coz americans are batshit nuts. And equate prseidential elections to getting a new king instead of the mundanity they are
@strateguy632 they sound about as interesting as politics. im aware i have no power, that my vote would be meaningless if i actually voted. Apparently you're unaware
with trump, then they discussed issues. www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfdRmnT0Weo hilary gave excuses government can't save a victim and trump said we gotta save victim.
Home > Society & Politics > Questions > Am I wrong in thinking that the level of debate in the next American presidential elections will not be very deep?
Superb Opinion