I could sing about debating
But you wouldn’t like the song
Cause the problem with our system is
The format is all wrong.
The early ones are overrun
They look like Friars’ roasts
The questioners don’t moderate
They act like game show hosts
When Steve and Abe debated
The sessions lasted hours
And some of the participants
Took time for meals and showers
Yes, you may be articulate
And sure know how to spin it
But what can you communicate
When you’ve got just a minute
I have, if I may be so bold
A better way to do it
You need an interlocutor
Like Cavett or Hugh Hewitt
Someone to set the issue
To get discussion running
Then some adult conversation
Wouldn’t that just be stunning?
The purpose isn’t victory
Totally or nearly
But laying out a platform
And seeing issues clearly
But life remains imperfect
And rules are made by men
And in another month or two
We’ll do it all again
