To the editor: The lack of thoughtful and nuanced analysis does not make presidential debates useless. (“Trump and Biden agreed to hold debates. That is much less important than previously believed,” Opinion, May 21)
Yes, the majority of the electorate will have made a decision regardless of the “winner.” But for the few who are not integrated into either side, the debates will give them the opportunity to discern, among other things, whether former President Trump is as crazy or President Biden as senile as their respective critics claim.
Or whether defending democracy abroad is more in the interest of this country than approaching autocrats and dictators.
And what about the border crisis, abortion rights, inflation, the cost of living and how to best address all of the above, as well as other issues?
While most of us have already made up our minds and watching the debates will be like rooting for our favorite team and wishing ill on the other side, there is that sliver that can be persuaded to swing in either direction. In swing states, that will make a difference.
Les Zador, Encino
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To the editor: Columnist Jonah Goldberg apparently didn't see what I saw in many debates over the years, particularly between Trump and Hillary Clinton in 2016.
It was illuminating to see Trump stalk Clinton while she spoke. She clearly showed us what kind of person she was.
What turns debates into unwatchable messes is the fact that moderators and networks don't turn off a microphone when a speaker's time expires. Traditionally, debate rules insist on a strict allocation of time.
In the case of Trump and Clinton, the debate organizers did not insist that he remain in the allotted space. Given his past behavior, it should be announced before any future debate that if Trump starts wandering around the stage, his image will be replaced by a cartoon donkey.
Unimaginable? No more so than his rude harassment behind Clinton's back.
Marcos Davidson, Santa Ana
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To the editor: Over the past 64 years, American presidential debates have degenerated from Kennedy-Nixon to Bush-Gore to Abbott and Costello, minus the humor.
The cynical electorate will find nothing funny about the debates between Trump and Biden, which will be judged by who makes the most gaffes or who is the first to drool. The collective response will be: Is this the best we can do?
Both political parties are responsible. Many voters will stay home frustrated. The result could be catastrophic.
Dave Sanderson, La Cañada Flintridge
