Originally Posted by
RobbieRoy
As the political spectrum becomes more fragmented and the polls persistently point to a hung parliament of some sort, the chances of one or more of the smaller parties doing a deal with one of the two main parties to support them rises. Consequently, it's really quite likely that UKIP or the Greens or the UDP or Plaid or the SNP, or any mix of them, may be in a position to negotiate the price for their support. To my mind that makes the need to expose all parties to equal scrutiny so much more important. I'd certainly want to see Sturgeon saying what she'd want Labour to give her for SNP support, Farage saying what he'd like in exchange from the Tories etc. The leader debates would be a good way to do that, but yes, as long as they were strongly and fairly chaired.
The leadership debates, whilst being potentially stage managed and 'presidential', will still engage many people who wouldn't otherwise want to look up from Strictly, BGT, Facebook etc. That can only be a good thing.