Improve debates: Get rid of journalists as moderators

Published October 3, 2024 9:22am ET



Contrary to conventional wisdom, election-year debates hold significant value for voters, and there is a way to enhance this value: by replacing journalists with more suitable moderators.

For decades, journalists have been the go-to choice for debate moderators. Before the rise of cable news and when the Commission on Presidential Debates had control over the process, moderators were from various networks. However, the current system, where the moderators are exclusively from the network hosting the debate, has drawbacks.

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