How networks treat debates like reality TV

The 2019 Democratic debates have been entertaining, but that’s exactly what’s wrong with them. Voters may turn on a debate to get clarity on an issue or better understand a given candidate’s proposal, but often what they find is a shouting match filled with insults, one-liners, and gaffes. As it turns out, this is exactly what networks want from a debate, and they employ methods to force these big moments into existence. But these methods don’t help us voters decide who the most qualified can...