http://video.nytimes.com/video/2011/11/10/us/politics/100000001163335/the-caucus--debate-wrap-up.html
What's with the media coverage these days? Everything seems to be like another reality T.V show, whether it's MTV or Rick Perry and Mitt Romney arguing over which one is breaking their own immigration laws. Fortunately, we like what we see and it's keeps us watching. Thank God it's not as dry as some past debates … not calling anyone out (Kerry). How much have these debates helped the candidates on their presidential race? For some it has been a rugged ride that has left Americans turned off by their performance during the debates while for others, these debates have taken them through a more positive route that has America feeling like we're on their side.
Michael D. Shear of the New York Times writes, "Gov. Rick Perry of Texas will have another chance to either prove he can recover from historic stumbles — including his nearly minute-long spell of forgetfulness on Wednesday — or cement his reputation as one of the worst presidential debaters. Jon M. Huntsman Jr., a former ambassador to China, could shine since the debate is intended to focus on foreign policy. And Newt Gingrich, the former House speaker, gets another chance to do something other than criticize the news media for asking terrible questions."
What's important to note is the fact that we are so technologically advanced we can just turn on the t.v or go on the internet and watch debates being streamed live, in which we are capable of coming up with our own conclusions and judgement. Steve Schmidt (helped run Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign in 2008) is right when he draws a reference to American idol and how it has become almost like second nature and ingrained to our culture as Americans. Like in American idol we watch something and automatically have construct some sort of feedback or judgement on the basis of what was just watched. Schmidt says, "debates have grown in importance as Americans have become attached to reality television shows," and he's absolutely right.
Luckily (or unluckily) for these presidential candidates, we are addicted to the media and anything that has to do with "reality t.v show". We enjoy the drama and expense that comes with the debates. Some of these candidates aren't the regular boring republicans we may be used to; they're all a bit spicy in their own way. Shear writes, It is also the case that the current crop of Republican candidates are not the typical collection of middle-age, somewhat boring governors or senators, said Ronald A. Klain, former chief of staff to Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., and who has served as a debate coach to numerous presidential and vice-presidential candidates. Many are genuine media personalities who know how to use the television camera to their advantage.
Representative Michele Bachmann gained national attention before her presidential bid from her television appearances. Herman Cain spent years as a radio talk show host and giving speeches — good preparation for the debate spotlight. Newt Gingrich made a post-Congressional career out of opining on television programs.
These candidates know what they're doing and it's no surprise nor mystery. The candidates have also made a point to make each debate like a soap opera that you can't wait to tune into next week. There's always something to look forward to; “The up and down of all the non-Romney candidates have given people a reason to tune in to see who’s up and who’s down. Will Michele Bachmann do better? Will Mitt Romney and Rick Perry fight? Can Mr. Perry bounce back? Will Mr. Cain get “The Question”? Tune in next time!"
Is this the only way to keep America watching like they're doing now? Well, it seems so, and it's not such a bad idea. Apparently there are plenty of democrats who wouldn't have necessarily watched republican debates that have tuned in. Why? Because everyone is talking about them, plus there's nothing better on t.v. We know that these candidates are trying to put on a show to keep our interest but how far do you think they will go to keep our attention … because remember, we have pretty small attention spans. Just kidding … but i'm serious about that when it comes to myself.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/12/us/politics/taste-for-reality-tv-seen-in-popularity-of-debates.html?ref=politics
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