Paul Goldman and I wrote in Wednesday’s Washington Post that Donald Trump may have a valid point about the television networks making a fortune off the presidential debates. But he needs to go further:
Instead of trying “greenmail” CNN, Trump instead should ask his opponents, Republican and Democratic, to join in a simple pledge:
They will not participate in any Big Media debate unless it is free of commercial advertising.
This eliminates the incentives Sabato mentioned. It also would give the candidates more time to debate. And it would give a much-needed boost to our civic culture.
Keeping candidates and viewers focused on the issues of the day is one reason general-election presidential debates are advertising-free.
Not long ago, journalists would have refused to participate in a commercially sponsored debate. Times change.
But the idea is for the change to be for the better.
Trump is in a unique position. He alone has the power to demand the networks take a stand for the public interest. If he makes the kind challenge we outlined above, which of his Republican opponent would dare be seen as putting the “liberal media’s” profits ahead of the people’s interests?
As for the Democratic candidates, they will not allow Trump to hijack a good-government issue that appeals to their backers.
Yes, yes…this tarnishes my capitalist credentials.
Big deal.
We’re trying to vet candidates for the nation’s highest elected office. Put the ads on hold for an hour, and let’s hear what these people have to say.
