Dennis Thomas: Democrats need to do better to become a factor
Re “Boo me, cheer me, chew me out ... just don’t bore me” (Page 1B, Jan. 14): I read Mike Dunbar’s column in the Sunday paper. He’s right, the Democratic debate was boring. Yes, there was an overflow crowd; yes, it was late starting and yes it was “Not Ready For Primetime.” I wasn’t sure if I was watching a candidates forum or the Jessica Self Show.
Jessica comes out and tells the audience the debate rules and what the audience could or couldn’t do. About the only thing she didn’t mention was if we would go to the bathroom. To say the format was flawed is being kind. They had Jeff Jardine and Jessica Self sitting off to the side, barely in view of the candidates. Where they should have been was in the middle of the stage facing the candidates with an electronic timer.
The audience was expecting a little more back and forth, but not this night. Starting late, listening to Jessica drone on and the terrible format ... it was “snoozeville.”
It was supposed to be two hours of scintillating political discourse, but noooo. It wasn’t over till 10:30. I’m sure “Ol’ Jeff Denim” was laughing all the way back to DC. We can do better.
Dennis Thomas, Modesto
This story was originally published January 18, 2018 at 1:02 PM with the headline "Dennis Thomas: Democrats need to do better to become a factor."