Analysis & Opinions - The Huffington Post

Televised Political Debates Dumb Down Democracy

| March 8, 2010

"For the first time in its history, Britain's general election this year will be preceded by televised debates. We have quite simply never done it before.

But in the run-up to the debates, I am struck by the way there seems to be a consensus that the debates will do wonders to revitalise interest in British democracy, which has been ailing for decades now. Everyone seems to agree that the debates are a good thing.

These kind of arguments are everywhere in Britain at the moment. Debates, apparently, are the cure our unhealthy political system needs. They will inject a dose of glitzy competition into our stale old electoral process. That they will help voters make a better democratic choice.

But personally, I don't believe any of the hype. These arguments are wrong...."

Continue reading: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/azeem-ibrahim/televised-political-debat_b_488833.html

 

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For more information on this publication: Belfer Communications Office
For Academic Citation: Ibrahim, Azeem.“Televised Political Debates Dumb Down Democracy.” The Huffington Post, March 8, 2010.

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