![Carson: 'Debates Are To Highlight The Differences In Philosophy' Not To Ask 'Gotcha' Questions [screenshot ABC]](https://images.dailycaller.com/image/width=960,height=411,fit=cover,f=auto/https://cdn01.dailycaller.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Screen-Shot-2015-11-01-at-11.58.40-AM-e1446397164212.jpg "Carson: 'Debates Are To Highlight The Differences In Philosophy' Not To Ask 'Gotcha' Questions [screenshot ABC]")
Ben Carson says the purpose of a debate is to “allow the voters to have an opportunity to see what’s behind each of the candidates” not a time to ask “gotcha” questions.
Appearing on ABC’s “This Week” with guest host Martha Raddatz, Carson was asked about how he would want to change the debate format, and explained he would like to have the opportunity for “substantial” opening and closing statements of “at least a minute.” (RELATED: Donald Trump, Ben Carson Back RNC’s Move To Suspend Debate Partnership With NBC)
Carson explained that “the real purpose is to allow the voters to have an opportunity to see what’s behind each of the candidates. What do they actually think about the various policies that are affecting the lives of everyday Americans? If you make that the goal that will help you define how the debate should go.”
Carson then criticized previous debates, suggesting “that certainly was not the goal.”
When Raddatz pressed Carson about the specific changes he would like, Carson insisted, “I would like to see us be able to have a substantial opening statement, at least a minute, a substantial closing statement, at least a minute, and I would like to see, you know, tighter guidelines in terms of people, when they respond to questions.”
Carson then complained that “some people just pretty much ignore what the time constraints are and others are very careful to stay within them. And I think that creates inequality. So, we need to tighten it up a little bit and do it more like a professional-type debate.” (RELATED: Cruz Unloads On CNBC For Media Bias)
Regarding the moderators, Carson suggested, “Well, I think we should have moderators who are interested in disseminating the information about the candidates as opposed to gotcha, you did this and you defend yourself on that, you know, what is very important right now, we have so many incredible problems that are facing us as a nation.”
Raddatz responded, “Dr. Carson, you talk about gotcha questions, but should the candidates be challenged? Don’t you want to hear what they have to say and have that challenged by a free press?”
“There’s a place and time for that,” explained Carson. “But as far as I’m concerned, these debates are to highlight the differences in philosophy between the candidates. Particularly, when you have as many candidates as we have now. The people need to be able to find out what is the thing that distinguishes each one of us, you know, you could spend time forever, combing back through somebody’s history and say, like in 1942 did you say– give me a break, we need to mature in the way we do these debates.”