Prime Minister Question Time—In The U.S.A.

**Subotan** · 01-30-2010, 17:35

PMQ's isn't a great form of keeping the PM accountable as it's so short and not very formalised. It's amazingly fun though, as shown byy

**Aemilius Paulus** · 01-30-2010, 17:38

Mmm, I regularly watch PMQ, even though I live in US, but I doubt it would fare too well in US. For one, US is not used to it. Secondly, well, the Republicans, especially in their current state... Their methods of debate are... well...

And I have a low opinion of the average Americans viewing such a program (no offence to the US Orgahs, who are generally well above the average of political IQ). Theoretically, the British should not be too different, but I find that difficult to believe... So many of the modes of argumentation, especially by the Republicans, are so flawed, even in their basic method - I mean logical fallacies - not just the facts. Whatever...

**Subotan** · 01-30-2010, 17:42

It'd be like if the President was Questioned by howler monkeys

**Lemur** · 01-30-2010, 21:28

Originally Posted by Subotan

PMQ's isn't a great form of keeping the PM accountable as it's so short and not very formalised. It's amazingly fun though, as shown byy

See, to me that looks like a real debate. I would love to see that sort of spontaneous back-and-forth in our government. Bring on Question Time! Seriously, this should be how we do things.

**Subotan** · 01-30-2010, 22:34

Originally Posted by InsaneApache

Respectful? Politicians? We tolerate them. We loath them. We hope that they will fry in the fires of Hades but respect, never.

Right, because all politicians are Machiavellian monsters out to enslave a poor, naive populace.

Originally Posted by Lemur

See, to me that looks like a real debate. I would love to see that sort of spontaneous back-and-forth in our government. Bring on Question Time! Seriously, this should be how we do things.

I guess I'm forgetting the nature of American politics. Lots of "debate", filibustering, pork barrelling etc. Prime Minister's Questions might work better in a state with separation of the powers.

**Lemur** · 01-31-2010, 01:08

Well, between our politicans' fear of a gaffe, and the soundbyte nature of cable news, it's freakin' rare to hear anything spontaneous and human come out of an elected official's mouth. A free-rolling debate would be just the thing to shake these creatures up. And in a lovely Darwinian sense, it would help expose those lawmakers who are dumber than a box of rocks. It's win win win.

**Duke Malcolm** · 01-31-2010, 03:03

I have to say, I agree. Every politician ought to be able to stand up and argue his case against questions from his opposition. I've always though those "TV debates" that seem so popular lack any real sense of spontaniety and wit. And while the PM/President can prepare for the major issues, they can never prepare fully for what might be thrown at them. True rhetoric, wit, and linguistic mastery shine out - the speechwriters have little or no say over the questions and answers. And it gives the obscure politicians a chance to make a name for themselves on a bigger playing field if they manage to outdo the PM.

**tibilicus** · 01-31-2010, 03:43

I personally feel any healthy democracy would benefit and should use some form of question time. Here I present two of my favourite clips:

These aren't my favourites because they show a high level of good clean debate, they're my favourite as they show how new Labour used to be and how it is now. From competent political party to well, what it is now..