Oh, dear. He’s ready for a vigorous debate and questions from all corners? Then why the debate rules, Davey?
A request from both campaigns for Tuesday's debate: no tough follow-up questions from moderator Candy Crowley. http://t.co/3oycfc64
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) October 15, 2012
Of course, it is framed as “tough follow-up” from Crowley. What that really means is “shilling for Obama.” How sad is it that Obama is so incompetent, that they are afraid softball questions will be too hard for him?
Debate commission cracks down on Candy… http://t.co/rRGiXpzW
— NEWS MAKER (@NEWS_MAKER) October 15, 2012
Mark Knoller explains, and he’s none too happy.
Obama Campaign's David Axelrod just tweeted: "Enough already about moderators. POTUS is ready for a vigorous debate & Q's from all comers!"
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) October 15, 2012
No real reporter would agree to forgo followup questions and just call on audience members.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) October 15, 2012
If that's all Debate Commission wanted, it should have hired a game show host.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) October 15, 2012
Bet they didn't have a 21-page Memorandum of Understanding for the LIncoln-Douglas Debate
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) October 15, 2012
Thanks to Time's @MarkHalperin, you can plow through the thick legalese of the Debate Memorandum of Understanding at http://t.co/fWLC7Tls
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) October 15, 2012
Memo of Understanding neglects to provide for Debate Police to storm stage & wrestle moderator to the ground if she asks a followup.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) October 15, 2012
Recommended
@wmerknc @DrewMTips This is a presidential debate. Not Dancing With The Stars. They can handle a surprise question or two.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) October 15, 2012
NRO’s Jim Geraghty gets to the bottom of the debate rules.
Here we go. Debate agreement, Sec. 7, SubSec C, para vi: "If sighted, 'Ponytail Guy' is to be removed from the building by security.'"
— Jim Geraghty (@jimgeraghty) October 15, 2012
Heh.
Rules of tomorrow night's debate say no "speeches, statements, or comments" by audience questioners. We'll see if they hold to that.
— Jim Geraghty (@jimgeraghty) October 15, 2012
This is a fascinating, real debate condition: Neither candidate may point to or cite folks in the audience besides family members.
— Jim Geraghty (@jimgeraghty) October 15, 2012
Another fascinating, real debate condition: Neither candidate is allowed to ask direct questions of the other.
— Jim Geraghty (@jimgeraghty) October 15, 2012
This, of course, led to much hilarity as Twitter users come up with debate conditions that were rejected.
Teleprompters permitted, but only every other word of prepared text is loaded. #RejectedDebateConditions
— Jim Geraghty (@jimgeraghty) October 15, 2012
Gatorade break at the 45 minute mark. #RejectedDebateConditions
— Jim Geraghty (@jimgeraghty) October 15, 2012
https://twitter.com/NathanWurtzel/status/257944668002742272
Each candidate permitted one "wacky" illustrative prop. #RejectedDebateConditions
— Jim Geraghty (@jimgeraghty) October 15, 2012
The first 30 minutes shall be conducted in Rap Battle format. #RejectedDebateConditions
— Matt Exotic (@MattCover) October 15, 2012
https://twitter.com/andylevy/status/257945685633150977
Candidates may evade the question, but only in a high-pitched Mickey Mouse voice. #rejecteddebateconditions
— GreatDayForEverybodyHat (@Popehat) October 15, 2012
Feats of Strength Competition #RejectedDebateConditions
— Drew McCoy (@_Drew_McCoy_) October 15, 2012
Giggles RT @GayPatriot: No munching on dogs during commercial breaks. #RejectedDebateConditions
— Mickey White (@BiasedGirl) October 15, 2012
#rejecteddebateconditions No whiny questions from college students.
— The Real Matt Finn (@mdrache) October 15, 2012
Heh. RT @southsalem: #RejectedDebateConditions @msnbc has to wait until end of debate to declare obama the winner
— Mickey White (@BiasedGirl) October 15, 2012
Each candidate gets one "phone a friend" lifeline #RejectedDebateConditions
— Drew McCoy (@_Drew_McCoy_) October 15, 2012
https://twitter.com/JoeSorberaIII/status/257942549640138752
Interpretive dance off. #RejectedDebateConditions
— ❄️Cheesodamus (@cheesewz) October 15, 2012
Sideline reaction by Obamaphone lady between questions #RejectedDebateConditions
— Matthew DesOrmeaux ⚜ (@authoridad) October 15, 2012
All audience members in attendance must refrain from drinking games. #RejectedDebateConditions
— Jim Geraghty (@jimgeraghty) October 15, 2012
Thank goodness that one was rejected! We already have our game set: Every time Obama says “Uh” or “Um.” Be sure to eat well first, or you will be faced in short order!
More, please, Twitter. A debate condition that has not been rejected: Lots of happy warrior snark required.
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