One of the memorable media events of the 2000s took place when Jon Stewart appeared as a guest on Crossfire in October 2004 and scolded Paul Begala and Tucker Carlson for staging mock debates and phony polarities: «It's hurting America,» he moaned, as the hosts fumbled for a response. (firstthings.com)
Trump has said he has avoided mock debates in favor of policy discussions with a roundtable of his closest advisers, including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. (newsday.com)
The candidates stage mock debates to prepare. (nymag.com)