Debates descend into bitter attacks

I no longer watch the Democratic presidential debates.

A format originally planned to give prospective candidates a national forum for expressing their ideas on critical issues has descended into a pit of personal attack and sensationalism.

The various news outlets early on decided which candidates were acceptable and viable and began to cover only a chosen few.

Those remaining were exposed to an abusive atmosphere designed to cause the most conflict possible.

Instead of thoughtful queries, planned to showcase the differences between the candidates' ideas about matters crucial to our nation, its citizens and their place in the world, the moderators select questions meant to encourage bickering and personal attacks between candidates.

The candidates should refuse to appear under these conditions and should insist that future debates be conducted in a serious, issue oriented manner.

Karen Wagner

Rolling Meadows