I think it's a question of how you see the debate. What it is, or should be. Is it between the two candidates, and moderators merely give it structure? Or is it a debate with an expectation of truth and trustworthiness, fulfilling the press code, where the moderators would have to at least point out lies or ask for clarifications?
A debate between two candidates has its value, but we can't deny it strengthens Trumps position as an apparently to many people charismatic liar. Between only two people it's about who is more charismatic and convincing, not about truthfulness, verifiability. All of those only go as far as the other candidate can establish them.
If many citizens watch only the debate, is that enough to inform them / base their voting [or omission thereof] on?
In the end, it may be understandable to wish for moderators to point out lies. It can be irritating and frustrating to see lies on a podium finding success, without successful, conclusive rebuttal. But that's not the moderators' place in the show format as it is.
Judges don’t tell a team their facts are wrong, the other team does. Judges decide which of the teams had better argumentation.
I find the judge symbolism interesting and compelling, but moderators are not judges. They're not making a judgement in place of the citizens by the end.
Rather than only letting two people debate, they could ask for clarifications. If you see them as press, and as representing the citizens, you may even think they have to to fulfill the press code and their responsibility.
Russian propaganda pushed by the Kremlin has “infected” part of the Republican base, a senior GOP congressman has said, as indications grow that a vital U.S. military package for Ukraine will come up for a vote with U.S. lawmakers this month....
I’m not sure which of the parties you label a loser. I certainly think there are gains in supporting Ukraine. Maybe moreso for the EU than the US which is far away at least geographically and on an isolated continent.
MSNBC's Lawrence on Biden-Trump debate: "We live in a country where most commentators declared the liar the debate winner" -- (video, 20 min) ( iv.datura.network )
Here is the original link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgjyHwQOUoo...
Top Republican says party base "infected" by Russian propaganda ( www.newsweek.com )
Russian propaganda pushed by the Kremlin has “infected” part of the Republican base, a senior GOP congressman has said, as indications grow that a vital U.S. military package for Ukraine will come up for a vote with U.S. lawmakers this month....
'If anything happens, it's not suicide': Boeing whistleblower's prediction before death ( abcnews4.com )