The American Political Game Show

Debating is an art form that is a key to the American political establishment. From the days of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas’ legendary debate for the Illinois U.S. Senate seat in 1858 to the multitude of television debates held currently, debates offer the average voter a chance to gain information about the candidates before casting a vote.

Sadly the importance of debates in two candidates discussing their views on the issues and providing in depth information on their stances have dwindled. Instead of providing information on their stances, politicians provides well rehearsed soundbite answers that are full of sound and fury and typically signifying nothing.

As has been the case with some of the debates this year, the presidential campaign for the highest office in the land - the presidency - has been boxed and packaged to a Made-for-TV event that shouldn’t be called a debate. What these events really are are game shows - The American Political Game Show. The candidates stand behind a podium and provide quick answers to the simple questions asked by the host … er, moderator. If you’re watching CNN, you may even be asked to raise your hand.

This type of political debate does the American public a disservice. A 30-minute soundbite on Iraq doesn’t even come close to discussing the complexities of the war situation. How can you discuss the financial issues, security questions, troop needs, and military plans in a 30 second soundbite? You can’t. With the mess that Iraq is in, the American public needs more than 30 seconds to understand a person’s view on how they would handle the Iraq situation.

But the politicians prefer the game show format, because they are fearful to say how they feel for fear of not getting the vote from “their base” or “moderates” or others. So if they’re going to make a mockery of the political process, perhaps we should make a mockery of the debates.

Instead of some fancy patriotic type music to bring in the debate, let’s have some game show music.  If they’re going to treat it like a game show, why not? I’m thinking the theme to The $25,000 Pyramid or maybe The Price is Right. Of course you need a game show host to do the honors. Bob Barker would be the first choice, followed by Wink Martindale or Bob Eubanks.

In all seriousness, for the future of the country let’s hope we have some true debates in the next few months on the views and opinions held by the candidates for president. The American public, and the presidency, deserve better than the American Political Game Show.

So who should you support in 2008?

OnTheIssues.org has an interesting political quiz on its Web site, which offers viewers information on the issue positions of the different candidates for president. The quiz allows you to take a political ideology quiz and the results will then match you with an announced presidential candidate.

After taking the test, my results matched the early candidate whom I’m leaning towards in Republican Sen. Sam Brownback from Kansas.

So take the quiz, for fun, and see whom you should support.

Second guessing and Billy Donovan

Billy Donovan has come a long way since his days at Marshall. That probably is an understatement in of itself.

With two national titles, the admiration of a Florida fan base that typically views winter sports as preseason training for spring football, and the youth to build a legacy like some of the greats in college basketball, Donovan has done well for himself in Gainesville.

But, now, Donovan finds himself in an awkward situation. Last week, presumably under pressure from the Orlando Magic to make a decision, Donovan agreed to coach the NBA team, with the attempt not to become the latest college coach to flop in the NBA. Days after agreeing to a $27.5 million deal - or near what Roger Clemens’ salary will be for this season should he ever play - Donovan has second thoughts. His heart is in Florida, not Orlando, but at the University of Florida and now Donovan wants to go back.

The Magic should let him and then find a coach who truly wants to coach in the NBA, perhaps Stan Van Gundy. But then there is this issue of the contract and should the Magic attempt to get something out of Donovan for breaking the deal. At the very most, a five year no compete clause, as has been reported,  is likely. That would mean Donovan couldn’t coach for any NBA team over the length of what would’ve been his contract with the Magic.

Donovan will have egg on his face and the embarrassment of  taking a job and then walking away from the position. The Magic, who will be embarrassed as well, will have the opportunity to get another coach and possibly save some money in the process.

But, the ball is in Donovan’s court today to make the move on breaking his contract.  He’ll probably do it and everyone will be better in the long run for it.