Leaked Debate Agreement Shows Both Obama & Romney Are Sniveling Cowards

I can understand why they asked for some of those in place. Not saying I agree. But I can understand the rationale for most of these.

"The candidates may not ask each other direct questions during any of the four debates."
- They probably don't want to be called out on their ? by the other candidate.

"The candidates shall not address each other with proposed pledges."
- Probably to stop themselves from making stupid pledges that they'll be held to after the election.

"At no time during the October 3 First Presidential debate shall either candidate move from his designated area behind the respective podium."
- Probably just to keep the control in the moderator's hands (even though he pretty much failed at that).

For the October 16 town-hall-style debate, "the moderator will not ask follow-up questions or comment on either the questions asked by the audience or the answers of the candidates during the debate...."
- Probably so the moderator doesn't usurp the audience's question. But i think this might've been broken tonight.

"The audience members shall not ask follow-up questions or otherwise participate in the extended discussion, and the audience member's microphone shall be turned off after he or she completes asking the questions."
- This was probably just to keep it moving, so they don't get bogged down on one audience member; or to prevent some attention-? from trying to get extra air time and become talk on the media the next day.

"The Commission shall take appropriate steps to cut-off the microphone of any...audience member who attempts to pose any question or statement different than that previously posed to the moderator for review."
- This is probably so someone doesn't like and end up asking Obama something stupid like "Do you act niggerish when with Michelle" or asking Romney something stupid like "If Israel and Palestine agreed to permanent peace and a permanent solution to their issue, and the entire deal was hinged on your drinking a hot drink, would you?"

"No candidate may reference or cite any specific individual sitting in a debate audience (other than family members) at any time during a debate."
- Probabaly to avoid another "Joe the Plumber" aka Joe Werzelzkjptgjkpfr4e39-whatever-the-? -his-name-is-type situation like last time.

For the town-hall debate: "Each candidate may move about in a pre-designated area, as proposed by the Commission and approved by each campaign, and may not leave that area while the debate is underway."
- Probably just so Romney doesn't stand in front of Obama and take camera time away or so Obama doesn't stand in front of Romney and take camera time away. Or just so both can have a clear view at all times of the moderator and the audience, so they know their cues.