An argument for the candidates to debate in the buff. The problem with politics is that it is difficult to take it seriously without taking it personally. The current presidential debates are a case in point. We get drawn into the passions of the debates like audiences get drawn into WWWF matches. Where we should be having serious discussions about the role of government balanced against individual rights and liberties, we are instead waiting for the next pithy aphorism to be used like a proverbial folding chair smashed over the opponent’s head. The result is an absurdity that the founding fathers hoped to avoid: the required constant, civil discussion so critical to self governance ends up in a cesspool of rage that effectively undermines the very self governance we seek to achieve. For the vitriol we feed on, we may as well throw this whole Democracy away and let a malevolent dictator take over.
There is no way to change the mental wiring of voters to make them more disciplined in their engagement in the political process. But I have an idea for reducing the passionate appeal of debates: have the candidates debate naked. That’s right, completely in the buff. The level of humility exemplified by the candidates, combined with the shock and disgust of the audience and viewers, would greatly reduce the rage that has an unhealthy influence on politics. The result would be a gentler and more legitimate discussion about where each politician stands and, more importantly, allow the debate to be part of the overall discussion of effective self governance.
Alternatively, we could just pretend the candidates are naked and see what happens.