NPR: Democratic Debate Follows Familar Formula

Democratic Debate Follows Familar Formula

Forty-five minutes into the Democratic debate in Johnston, Iowa, it a case of deja vu all over again.

Just as with the Republican debate on Wednesday, the format is more of a forum then an actual debate. Once again, economic issues seem to be the focus of moderator Carolyn Washburn's, editor of The Des Moines Register, questions: questions of trade with countries with records of human rights violations, how to balance economic need with the need to reduce global warming, how to manage our relationship with China, what about agribusiness and subsidies ... to some degree it's a policy wonk's dream come true. The format allows the candidates to throw around a lot of facts and figures about their economic plans if elected.

Although there have been no "fireworks" between the candidates, overall the debate seems to have more energy than yesterday. But it's hard to see how this will move Iowans one way or another.

2:53 PM ET | 12-13-2007 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

Well, see, there you go. Boring facts and figures. Why do moderate, thoughtful subjects on economics when you can thrown the tabloid topics about for far more interest?

Like religion. Seems as though every other topic here has something to do with religion, of late. Like, well, NPR has suddenly decided to get itself a theological degree. Let's get everyone's beliefs on religion down on the table, but let's not deal with economic issues so much? Economics is boring. Right? Nobody understands economics. But everyone understands relgion?

Or, is it that bringing up religion is a way to create a picture of disharmony among the Republicans? Doesn't seem to be that religious topics have anything in common with Democrats? Nobody asks the Democratic candidates to define the Mormons from the Baptists from the Methodists from the Catholics.

Democrats don't have to talk about their personal religious beliefs? Only Republicans are required to explain themselves religiously?

By the way, what religious preferences do Hillary and Barack have, by the way?

Okay, so, let's throw a hot button Democratic topic into the fire to liven things up. Since the consensus is that the Democratic debate followed a familiar topic and bored everyone with economics.

What about gun control?

Okay, there you go for the Democrats. Religion is the rile 'em up topic thrown at the Republicans. Gun control is the rile 'em up topic thrown at the Democrats.

What are the positions of the Democratic candidates on gun control? Seems that little topic never came up during the NPR debates, or in the NPR blogs. Seems as though if someone wants a little 'fireworks' in the discussion, gun control is an apt topic?

So, the Republicans are more the NRA type, and the Democrats are the more abolish the gun type? Is that how it's going down for this coming election?

Quid pro quo, twenty discussions on religion, one discussion on gun control, is that unfair or unbalanced?

fred call

Sent by fred call | 4:20 PM ET | 12-13-2007

Strange complaints-- that the candidates should actually have the time to elucidate their positions and spend their time doing so.

How are we to make knee-jerk decisions in such an atmosphere?

Sent by Drew Sedrel | 4:59 PM ET | 12-13-2007

Sent by Drew Sedrel: How are we to make knee-jerk decisions in such an atmosphere?

Thank you. It is so refreshing to read an intelligent blog. And you made me smile on top of it.

Gee, intelligence and wit go hand-in-hand. Great show, Drew.

fred call

Sent by fred call | 5:19 PM ET | 12-13-2007

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