Stop These "Debates" -- and Caucuses, Too

 "Lord of the Flies." 
Circular firing squads. Mass suicides. That’s what the Democrats have going for them, self-destructive fools that they are.

They are trying to beat The Worst Person in the World and none of them can summon enough dignity and knowledge to help their causes.

(There is even published talk of seeking a compromise candidate if Bernie Sanders cannot get enough delegates by the convention. Sounds like more anarchy ....except.... except.... for months I have been sad that Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio did not run for president. It's bizarre that at this point there is still strong sentiment for "another" candidate and even the fantasy that Michelle Obama would agree to run for vice president. I wouldn't wish it on her. But that only speaks to the desperate need to upgrade the leadership of this country.)

I never realized how degraded the primary system is until CNN held a so-called Town Hall from Charleston, S.C., Wednesday night.

We caught Bloomberg, Biden, Klobuchar and Warren, all with an hour of their own, to answer thoughtful questions from screened members of the audience – clearly an elite group.

Without yapping and trying to draw blood from a fellow candidate, all four displayed their strengths, often going for 3-4 minutes on one question.

Their answers were such a contrast to the inarticulate, uninformed blather from Trump when he tries to assure us that the Coronavirus will be fine with Mike Pence (Mr. Science) in charge.

Bloomberg was highly informed and adult, talking about being a mayor of a world city.

Biden was touchingly knowledgeable about the reasons for brain cancer affecting the military, including his beloved son Beau.  At the end of his hour, he motioned the questioner to come to the front and he would supply references.

Klobuchar still talked about all the bills she had helped send “to Mitch McConnell’s desk,” still appearing self-centered but also emulating past senators who ran (and won) presidential contests.

And Warren, while still overly kinetic and anecdotal, reminded us of the lawyer/senator who has effectively reigned in the bandit banks and insurance companies.

The format was a welcome relief from the Trumpian reality shows, the Simon types sneering at contestants, Jerry Springer dragging human misery onto the stage and goading people to attack each other.

Maybe America is not terminally afflicted with show-biz hysteria.

Instead of turning public figures into survivors, it is time to do away with these hideous mass “debates” that turn into pie fights. 

And while they are at it, let's do away with the caucuses, all that inscrutable and inarticulate milling around -- not democracy in action but rather a theater of the absurd.

This is important. America has a president who is a lethal mix of malicious and stupid and greedy. 

Earth cannot afford more of this. 
If there is still time, let's restore a touch of gravitas to the process.
No more mass “debates.”