Case and Akaka Debate

Here's a transcript.

September 3 update: The debate (7:30-8:30 P.M., Hawaii Time) was opposite the MTV Music Video Awards. I didn't watch the Awards, which I thought was dull. Others thought so, too. (Another problem with the VMAs in recent years has been its airing in late August rather than after Labor Day, which rushes things somewhat.)

I thought (and others concurred) the debate was dull, too, mainly because of all the restrictions the host (Hawaii's AARP chapter) placed beforehand on the proceedings.

What constitutes a debate (a.k.a. leaders debate)? According to this:

The exact format for a leaders debate varies, but normally the debate will begin with each leader making a short opening statement. Then a panel of well-known journalists will ask sets of prepared questions, which are to be answered either by all of the leaders or by one specific leader. After the leader(s) answer each question, the other leader(s) may get a chance to make a brief response, after which there may be some time allocated for an often heated "free for all" debate. The moderator will usually attempt to exercise some control through all of this, and then stop the debate after time has elapsed so the next question can be asked. [Emphasis mine] After the panelists finish asking questions, each leader will make his or her closing remarks and the debate will end.

Case and Akaka addressing one another. It never happened. Case was more than willing, Akaka was not.

The debate: behind the scenes.