The Hindu Business Line : Presidential debates

This is with reference to "US presidential debates — High point of American democracy" (Business Line, October 19). Terming the US as a true democracy and the presidential debates as something worth emulating is making things too simplistic.

The US President, Mr George Bush, shaking hands with his Democratic opponent, Mr John Kerry, and the so-called gentlemen talking it out on television should not amuse Indians.

The US system does not allow any third or fourth party into the electoral fray. People have no substantial choice and are forced to choose between the Republicans and the Democrats.

The US President is vested with lots of power and can veto even senate decisions. Is that a democracy or an autocracy?

Ordinary people have no say at all and the media does not care for them.

How can then the US be called a democracy? Democracy does not mean elections with billionaires contesting against each other.

India's parliamentary system, though not the best, is better than the US' Presidential system.

K. S. Kumar

Hyderabad

***

Except for the fact that the opponents were friendly with each other and civilised in their approach, the debates had little to show. In fact, the issues discussed were very shallow.

These debates only help the swing States to decide one way or the other, as the majority have already decided which candidate to vote for. Most important, the individual contestant is judged.

R. Hariharan

San Diego (US)

Letters to the editor and contributions can be sent by e-mail to: bleditor@thehindu.co.in