Debate

by DM

de·bate /diˈbeyt/
noun, verb, -bat·ed, -bat·ing.

–noun
1. a discussion, as of a public question in an assembly, involving opposing viewpoints: a debate in the Senate on farm price supports.
2. a formal contest in which the affirmative and negative sides of a proposition are advocated by opposing speakers.
3. deliberation; consideration.
4. Archaic. strife; contention.

–verb (used without object)
5. to engage in argument or discussion, as in a legislative or public assembly: When we left, the men were still debating.
6. to participate in a formal debate.
7. to deliberate; consider: I debated with myself whether to tell them the truth or not.
8. Obsolete. to fight; quarrel.

–verb (used with object)
9. to argue or discuss (a question, issue, or the like), as in a legislative or public assembly: They debated the matter of free will.
10. to dispute or disagree about: The homeowners debated the value of a road on the island.
11. to engage in formal argumentation or disputation with (another person, group, etc.): Jones will debate Smith. Harvard will debate Princeton.
12. to deliberate upon; consider: He debated his decision in the matter.
13. Archaic. to contend for or over.

[Origin: 1250–1300; (v.) ME debaten < OF debatre, equiv. to de- de- + batre to beat < L battere, earlier battuere; (n.) ME debat < OF, deriv. of debatre]
from dictionary.com

I haven't watched a presidential debate since a Carter/Reagan debate that left me disgusted and knowing that our future was sealed with a Reagan election. Reagan didn't debate. He couldn't. Carter never stood a chance in those exchanges because he wanted to debate and actually discuss issues. Republicans will have none of that.

Today we live the fruits of two Reagan presidencies. We are a financially, morally, and spiritually bankrupt nation: just the way the Republicans want us.

Sarah Palin is the new Ronald Reagan: not much to offer, but a 'presence' and perkiness. And, by golly, people like her!

She will not debate, of course, she will perform.

Joe Biden is screwed, because he is capable of discussing the issues of the day, and he will be made to look like a buffoon because he will want to debate and that will be mean of him. He's screwed: he can't win if he wins the debate and he can't win if he loses the debate.

And well, let's face it, there really won't be a debate.

But there will be a circus, and tonight I am going to tune in.