Rachel Maddow has raised the issue: Democratic enthusiasm as evidenced by voter turnout is down — dramatically. The Democratic party and the country is headed for disaster. Chris Hayes too has become alarmed. Donald Trump, with his energized followers will likely be the Republican candidate. What to do? What to do?
Seems to me, Democrats are hating the debates between Bernie and Hillary. Whoever you support, the other is going all out to point out how your candidate is all wrong, impractical or corrupt. Bernie and Hillary have been attacking each other in speeches too. Bernie may have enthused the young voters, but has it been enough? Apparently not.
Democrats need to change course. They need more debates. But not debates where they attack each other. They need to have virtual debates with Trump, Cruz and Rubio. Instead of asking each candidate to explain their position on a topic with no context, moderators should raise questions following short clips of a Republican. For instance. Show a clip of Trump claiming he will build a wall and Mexico will pay for it. Then ask Hillary or Bernie, “What do you think of this idea?” Give our candidates opportunities to show what’s at stake in November. If this doesn’t light a fire in the electorate, nothing will. This method will also let the candidates explain their positions without attacking the other. The electorate will be able to see differences by comparing two candidates responses themselves.
Based on past outbursts, it’s unlikely Trump will be able to hold his tongue. He will fight back. And candidate responses to Trump attacks will let Democrats see who will be able to withstand his attacks and fight back. We will get a preview of the Presidential race before we select our candidate. We will get to select the strongest candidate.