A primer on debate moderation
For Susan Page or anyone else unclear on the concept
CNN photo
Vice-presidential debate moderator Susan Page’s decision to respond to constant stealing of time by Mike Pence with the one-note plea, “Thank you, Mr. Vice President” was obviously ineffective. Therefore, I offer the following alternatives she may use if she ever gets another chance, which seems unlikely.
“Can you not hear me telling you you’re out of time? Are you hard of hearing? Because if so, I’m required to offer you reasonable accommodation for your handicap.”
(I have to respond to accusations by my opponent.)
“You may ask for time to respond. You may not answer the question for yourself and just go prattling on. It is up to me whether you get extra time.”
(This is unfair.)
“As John F. Kennedy so aptly said, “Life is unfair.” But in this case, your opponent is operating under the same unfairness as you, and she’s not complaining, despite laboring under the disadvantage of not being male or white, and on top of that, being shorter, too.”
“You notice I call you ‘Mr. Vice President.’ Please stop calling me ‘Susan.’ I am neither your pal nor your daughter. This is a work environment, so I should be referred to as Ms Page or Madam Moderator.”
“I think that voters will note how you have attempted to flaunt the rules of this debate, and they may react with concern that such an attempt is an indication of your attitude about the laws of this nation. We don’t want them to have that concern.”
“Do you ignore instructions of every person in your professional life, or just instructions from women? As for unfairly taking the time of your opponent, are you perhaps doing so because she is a woman, or because she is a non-white person?”
“If you continue to go over your time, I will not address to you the next question that was planned for you, and instead just ask your opponent, who seems to have no problem understanding the rules.”
“If you want extra time to deal with the fly that seems to be enamored of whatever you have in your hair, you may have all the time you need. But understand that we will proceed without you.”
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