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Mic control for debate moderators

Would've been immensely useful in the recent presidential debate between Obama and Romney
 
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Simply put, a toggle switch on the debate moderator's podium that kills the feed from the panelists' microphones. If they try steamrolling him, he cuts 'em off. That oughtta learn 'em some respect.
21 Quest, Oct 09 2012

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       I think if the moderator had placed a large caliber pistol on the table at the outset there would have been far less back talk. Talk over time and he can fire it into the air. Talk after than and he can aim for the legs.
WcW, Oct 09 2012
  

       I actually like that idea.... the Presidential security detail might disagree, however.
21 Quest, Oct 09 2012
  

       Respect.
WcW, Oct 10 2012
  

       Not so sure.... some aspects of leadership debate are about whom can demonstrate that they have the capacity to overcome their opponent and get their own way.
xenzag, Oct 10 2012
  

       This is Baked. It just wasn't used in the cited example.
8th of 7, Oct 10 2012
  

       // is there some putative Presidential security detail? //
  

       Yes, there is, and if you had been watching "24" episode by episode, you would realise that it can be quite an exciting job, albeit somewhat sleep-deprived …
8th of 7, Oct 10 2012
  

       Did you know that almost every potential voter already has one of these switches? It is on the front of their TV set.
pocmloc, Oct 10 2012
  

       I think they should just let them talk. without a limit on how much time for a question or for the whole debate
theircompetitor, Oct 10 2012
  

       ahh. a filibuster then. I don't think anyone really wants to watch that.
WcW, Oct 10 2012
  

       I do. I get my best recipes that way.
RayfordSteele, Oct 10 2012
  

       I like this idea, particular since the tradition (apparently) is to select venerable but old and somewhat feeble moderators, who can't easily interrupt the motormouth candidates.
phundug, Oct 10 2012
  

       According to an article I read, the Presidential Debate Commission, or whatever it's called, requires both candidates to agree on a moderator. They can both veto a moderator for whatever reason they choose. I don't believe the rules allow them a choice of microphone or podium type, however, hence the idea.
21 Quest, Oct 10 2012
  

       The thing is that if you cut the mike they can still shout. Rather the volume should go up and fairly rapidly, so all present must plug their ears against the pain of the voice. Later hearings of the voice will produce pain recall.
bungston, Oct 10 2012
  

       Well, then cut the audio feed to the TV cameras. The audience in attendance may hear them shouting, but all the much vaster audience watching the live TV coverage will see is angry, red- faced politicians opening and closing their mouths at each other.
21 Quest, Oct 10 2012
  
      
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