When Debates become Old Hat

My oldest boy and I were talking prior to the debate about the candidates and how one goes about deciding for whom to vote. At the time I was wasting time by playing Civilization Complete and the idea hit both of us that what we needed was to see the candidates in action. I propose two five to six hour sessions. The first would be on domestic policy and administration with the second to focus on world politics. The first would involve both candidates playing SimCity and the second Civilization Conquests. I understand that Obama, being younger would have a leg up on McCain, but then Palin would have more city experience that Biden. All in all I think it would even out.

During the play time they would NOT be allowed to have handlers coaching them on their next play, build or move. They would NOT be allowed to use crib sheets or have a walk through guide with them. Like most of us they would have to muddle through and hope for the best.

The play would be on personal computers of their choices but with large screen monitors and broadcast to the public. This would allow us to groan with them as the people revolt in their capital and cheer when they get a bonus they had been looking for.

Would it solve the problems and answer all the questions? Not in a million years, but it would be much better entertainment than the debates. Besides which, it may show our candidates that rhetoric doesn't solve problems and perhaps the public would realize the answers aren't as simple as bumper-sticker slogans would have us believe. Personally, I just hope to pick up some tips on moving past the Medieval period in the game.