has the media got its tongue firmly in its cheek when it says the public want lots of political election debates? Surely they know that 98% regard them as greater torture than wisdom teeth extraction and would prefer them to reshow another Bond movie or 50 Shades of Grey - no, that should be 50 Shades of Black and White when linked to political opinions.

The format is critical

Opening remarks (brief) from all


But then - direct questions (not preadvised) from an independent host

With clear/concise answers required


Nothing wrong with that

But, it won't happen


Mediocre politicians require advance notice

of everything

People vote on good hair and teeth; the majority aren't interested in detail. Democracy doesn't work. People think they ought to care but they don't.

JK2006 wrote:
People vote on good hair and teeth; the majority aren't interested in detail. Democracy doesn't work. People think they ought to care but they don't.

The last few prime ministers havent exactly been supermodels!

DEBATES - I could play all 7 parts myself, a kind of political Vile Pervert: The Musical - but so could everyone else. We all know every single word each person will say. We all know none of them will fulfil any promises if elected. Those of us (not me) intending to vote will do so based on whether or not they look nice. Those of us intending NOT to vote (me) will not be persuaded to do so as Democracy does not work.

The only interesting question is… how many leaders, let alone MPs - will fall victim to false allegation during the next two months.

I think Michael Grade was spot on about this. And, no, there just isn't a great demand for televised debates. They're NOT some kind of Socratic arena for the elicitation of truth and character. (Clegg did best in the last ones. That was a good guide to competence. Not.) They're intensely micro-managed spin events that fascinate political professionals and excite camera-hungry media figures. That's it. And as Michael says, it's not for broadcasters to bully elected representatives into doing as they wish.

JK2006 wrote:
Democracy does not work


and you also think that opening all international borders is the way to go, don't you?

JK2006 wrote:
Democracy doesn't work. People think they ought to care but they don't.

It would, and they would, if politicians wanted it to happen. Go back to the 1867 Act: all theorists pointed out - if you want this version of democracy to work, you'll have to invest massively in public education and also encourage a free press, and after that, prepare for a public that will never leave you alone, will criticise you incessantly and probably vote against you. It's hardly a surprise they've never really tried to make it work, but there's nothing wrong with the system, or the people.

I think the system no longer works due to the media and people therefore voting for superficial reasons, meaning politicians get elected who look OK, speak well but cannot govern.