To improve GOP debates, cut candidates: #tellusatoday

Letter to the editor:

It’s not the questions. It’s the answers, or failure to answer (“GOP candidates say debates must change,” News, Monday). A review of last week’s debate shows most candidates failed to answer the questions, launched into prepared campaign speeches and refused to follow agreed-upon rules.

Combine this with the tendency of Republicans to deny reality (see their denial of man-made global warming) and their widespread amnesia (forgetting that the Iraq War and Mideast mess were largely their responsibility), and there exists the chemistry for a raucous debate, albeit not very informative to voters.

If Republicans want to change things, they should begin by answering the questions, acknowledging facts and ending the prepared speeches. Look inward, not toward the moderators!

John E. Colbert; Arroyo Seco, N.M.

POLICING THE USA: A look at race, justice, media

Comments from from Facebook are edited for clarity and grammar:

The purpose of the primary has been lost. It’s the job of the Republican National Committee to facilitate picking the candidate who best represents the party. The RNC is completely failing in its job by succumbing to networks over debate rules that have turned the process into a “show.” I applaud the candidates for finally calling it out.

— Ward W Morris

And when the candidates don’t like the next debate, they will make more demands. Eventually, this will devolve into an ad campaign for each of them with pre-approved questions.

— Christopher Wilson

How do you tighten up a debate process with a dozen people running for the GOP nomination, most of whom have no business wasting the time needed to hear from viable candidates? You cannot possibly convey coherent political thought and policy under these circumstances, regardless of who is moderating.

— David Hoeltje

We asked our followers on Twitter how they would improve the GOP debates. Comments are edited for clarity and grammar:

Drop the opening and closing statements; they are hot air and waste time. Focus on issue-based questions.

— @BrentBrentl

I just hope the next GOP debate has fewer candidates. Time to narrow this thing down.

— @fabulousgop

Time for debate by and for conservatives who will vote.

— @AnitaChavez6

For more discussions, follow @USATOpinion or #tellusatoday.