A debate on the issues?

The campaign leading to the presidential election has become grotesque. At this point it is clear that Donald Trump has no regard for common sense, facts or the smallest measure of good taste it is shameful that the nominal leaders of the Republican Party have not, Without mincing words, tell party loyalists not to vote for Donald Trump.

There is a debate scheduled for Wednesday night. One of two things should happen. Either it should be canceled or the moderator, Chris Wallace, should force each candidate to discuss only the two most serious issues–the economy and foreign-policy.

What would the discussion of the economy and the candidates proposals look like? It would in many respects to be a debate between the economic theories of Arthur Laffer on one hand and Joseph Stieglitz on the other. Trump should be question on his proposed tax cuts which nearly entirely go to the top including major US corporations. He should be asked why there would be any stimulus affect by giving more money to people and corporations that are already awash in cash. He should be asked what sort of multiplier he expects. He should be questioned on the deficit that nonpartisan Analysis says he will be creating. This should be an extended and probing question.

Both candidate should be questioned on their infrastructure building proposals. How would they work? Do they propose an infrastructure bank? How quickly can they be up and running? Each candidate should be questioned as to whether they propose job training and other relief for those who have been disadvantaged by the effects of globalization and technological advance.

There has been no real discussion of foreign-policy. There needs to be extensive questions about strategy in the middle east particularly. What alliances will work? How do you deal with the fact that our putative allies are at odds often with each other? Should we enforce no fly zones? Do we commit troops and if so in what circumstance?

I have a little hope this will happen. If Wallace would do this it would be an act of patriotism. We shall see.