It's Not a Debate

The Post may have found the "debate" last night "edgy," but that can only be because of the YouTube format, not for any real substantive reason.

Britannica online has this to say about a debate:

formal, oral confrontation between two individuals, teams, or groups who present arguments to support opposing sides of a question, generally according to a set form or procedure.

Note the word "confrontation"

The presidential "debates" thus far are less a confrontation and more a staged joint news conference. Even with the questions coming from YouTubers, candidates were left unchallenged in their responses or thinking. A point-counterpoint might make the candidates uncomfortable, because they'd actually have to commit acts of thinking in public, but that spectacle is exactly what the American people should be treated to as we decide who to place our trust in during this perilous time. And if our candidates' positions can't withstand the normal give and take you'd find in a high school debate club, well that says a lot about our candidates and the level of political discourse in this country, doesn't it?