Why so many debates?

[begin_within]

Every time I bother to look, they're having another debate. Is it all just a publicity stunt? Aren't they all just repeating the same stupid talking points over and over again?

[DJ13]

1. Because the Republicans are Master deBaters

[SheilaT]

2. They can't think of anything better to do.

Seriously, there's this idea out there that debates provide some meaningful way to assess candidates, and they don't.

[daleanime]

3. Uh, because the stage is,..,,

the safest place to keep your Herman?:hide:

[Old and In the Way]

4. Apparently, they like public humiliation.

I'm sure the GOP figured that having all of these debates would be a great way to attack Obama and keep the focus on their candidate. Turns out it's having the opposite effect. But, like a bad sitcom with a no cancel clause, they've bought another 15 episodes, so they are stuck with broadcasting them.

[Tx4obama]

5. There are 15 MORE GOP debates scheduled

Here's a link that has a CHART of the 2012 GOP scheduled debates

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_republican_debates


p.s.
Btw, in the 2008 presidential primary season the GOP had 21 debates, and the Democrats had 26 debates.

[firehorse]

6. debates are the new reality TV -- politics taking a page from Jerry Springer

Stage some mud slinging, manufacturer some outrage, distract us on topics that don't matter.... makes for good ratings. I wouldn't be surprised if its scripted.

[Old and In the Way]

7. If it's scripted, the actors are doing a lousy job of memorizing their lines.

Witness Perry's disaster tonight. They may need to add a 15 minute delay to their debates so they can edit out the screw-ups. I only say that 1/2 jokingly...these debates are generating a lot of Youtube moments that the Democrats will use in the GE.

[firehorse]

9. not every dumb republican can pull off an acting gig the way Reagan or Arnold could

The repukes right now seem to have been stricken with some kind of zombie cognitive impairment .... Cain can't remember any of his victim's names, Perry can't take the time to remember which sectors of government he wants to get rid of, etc, ...

[madamesilverspurs]

8. If at first you don't succeed...

Or, in this case, if at first you don't suck enough, try try again.

[Aerows]

10. They haven't run out of crazy yet. n/t