In a presidential debate, why can’t they turn off the mike when a persons time is over?
Because the candidates (likely) haven’t agreed to that happening, and all debates are possible only because the candidates agree to appear. Piss off the candidates, and debates don’t happen.
If I were a candidate, I would not agree to a rule that allowed the mic to be turned off. Mistime your answer and you look like a fool. No thanks.
If they didn’t waste time praising the flag, praising the local population and throwing in a few unrelated talking points, they’d have time.
Run-on answers? Modern debates are hyper-abbreviated. I’d rather see each question given more time. Let the candidates take what time they need to give a more complete, more nuanced (not exhaustive) answer. Shut up Wolf Blitzer.
Reagan put a definitive stop to that idea with “I’m paying for this microphone, Mr. Green!”
Ratings.
It’s not really a good way to run a Presidential debate, or whatever it is they’re calling a debate. Among the qualities we’re looking for in presidents the ability to substantially complete statements of political philosophy and planning in very short periods of time is pretty low on the list.
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In real debates with enough time for a candidate to provide substantive responses to a question it could be implemented. In the current speed dating format a candidate that’s cut off gains sympathy from an audience that may have wanted to hear the end of the argument and skillful politicians will take advantage of that. With enough time provided candidates would instead want to look both competent and knowledgeable and wrap up before the buzzer. If they could reserve unused time for their final statement they’d almost always save some time in order to run on at the end.
Set it up like a chess clock. You have a total amount of time scheduled for the debate; each candidate gets half of that. While you’re answering, your clock is running down. Interrupt your opponent, and that time counts on your clock, not theirs. When your clock has run down to zero, you don’t get any more questions. That way, you can give more nuanced, detailed answers to the questions you think need them, but you still need to budget your time, and you can’t just talk all over your opponent.