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The Presidential Entertainment Show

One of the advantages of waking up every morning at 4:30 is that I get to sleep during any presidential debates the night before.  The debates are way-too-late for early risers on the east coast.  But, I already know Obama won it, because MSNBC is happy this morning, while Fox News generally calls it a draw.  Even Karl Rove called it a draw.

My question is when did the debates become so important that they are “must-see-TV”?  Aren’t other things more important?  What about their political philosophies?  What about life experiences?  Do debate skills equate to leadership skills?  I’m sure they’re both “good guys”  already, but no debate can reveal that anyway.  Televising meaningless entertainment into American households is obviously not required by the Constitution.  So, what is the point?

Theoretically, there is the possibility that some substantive issue might be discussed that would convince an undecided voter to determine their vote.  Yet, the most pressing issue is the Fiscal Cliff, and it apparently was not even discussed.  So, what is the point?

Plus, how can any rational person really be undecided?  Do they have no core beliefs?  Do they not have any way to hear the news?  Do they not have the ability to make the most mundane of decisions?  Or, do they just feel self-important by telling others they remain undecided?

The next presidential debate is next Monday night, and I hope to be sleeping well.