CNN is the host network for the July Democratic debates.  And today, they released the “rules” that will apply to the July debates.  If the rules are consistently applied and actually enforced, things could get interesting.

First, CNN will use a series of flashing lights (somewhat similar to what appellate courts use at oral arguments) to let candidates know when they are almost out of time.  My question is whether the cameras will show when the light turns red to make it clear who is going over the limit and whether the moderators will enforce the limits.

Second, candidates who “consistently” interrupt other candidates will supposedly have time deducted from them.  Which raises two questions.  First, how many interruptions before time is deducted?  Second, how is time being allocated to the candidates — if there is not a “total” amount of time that each candidate is supposed to get and those rules are actually enforced, a deduction is meaningless. Continue Reading...