Opinion: How Moderators Can Succeed in the 2024 Debate

Are you ready for Thursday night’s presidential debate? It seems like every major news outlet has had something to say about it already. Pundits, experts, and social media personalities have all weighed in on what we can expect.

But will the moderators ask the right questions to get the answers we really need? Instead of the usual policy questions and dramatic moments, what if we had a different kind of debate? Imagine a presidential edition of “Jeopardy!” where the questions reveal more about the candidates than we ever knew.

Categories like civics, financial principles, and government processes would be the focus. We need to know if the people who want to lead our country truly understand how it works. Do they know how bills become laws? Can they explain the roles of federal agencies in policymaking?

It might sound like tough questions, and they are. But should we expect any less from someone who wants to be president? We hire these candidates to do a job, and they should be able to pass a basic civics test before we put our trust in them.

As voters, we don’t need to be experts in these subjects. We just need moderators who will hold the candidates accountable. When false information is presented, they should call it out and demand the truth.

For example, if a candidate claims that all new jobs are going to illegal aliens, the moderators should ask for proof from credible sources. If the data doesn’t support the claim, they should challenge it.

These kinds of questions can lead to discussions about important policy issues, like the economy and global trade. Instead of focusing on broad promises for the future, the candidates should be pressed on their knowledge and understanding of current challenges.

And let’s not forget about accountability. Why not ask why so many people who served in previous administrations have been indicted or jailed? Or why some former officials have publicly stated their concerns about a candidate’s fitness for office?

The moderators need to be more than just question-askers. They should be journalists, digging deep and pushing for real answers. This isn’t a Sunday morning talk show. It’s a chance for the American public to see who these candidates truly are.

As we prepare for the debate, let’s hope that the questions asked will be tough, insightful, and focused on what really matters. The future of our country depends on it, and the American public deserves nothing less.