Good point. I'd like to add that the fault about these debates falls squarely on the organisers. TV hosts and other electoral bodies...

In other countries, the electoral debate is a real one, making main party candidates really discuss with one another, inviting smaller candidates to give a better view on the wider spectrum of political ideas. In other words, it is lively, open and informative. It also helps giving a good idea of the discoursing skills of the candidates. Skills which will later prove invaluable during international negotiations or in national debates in front of the Parliament, passing an impopular but necessary law or signing a peace agreement with a difficult counterpart. All of this is totally absent of the US campaign. It is sterile, ritualized and devoid of content. No wonder the average American is not really impressed. No wonder also that they end up voting for inept candidates. After all, they have no real idea who they are.