A nationally televised debate should be a serious affair that highlights opposing candidates’ differences in policy and gives the public a chance to see what kind of leaders it might be electing. Instead, in recent years these debates have often seemed more akin to the verbal equivalent of an MMA fight.

Who can forget Trump’s ominously pacing behind Hillary Clinton at a 2016 town hall debate? It was a bizarre incident that was so outrageous that some in the media called it a “scorched-earth” affair. “Saturday Night Live” parodied the incident with Trump (played by Alec Baldwin) lurching at Clinton (portrayed by Kate McKinnon) while music and sound effects reminiscent of the film “Jaws” played offstage.

Although we in the media may like the fireworks and intrigue that come with these meme-worthy events, they do a disservice to our country and our democratic process. The histrionics of these over-the-top contests make many voters simply tune out; worse yet, for many others, it drives disengagement, turning them off entirely to politics and civic life in general.