After a series of overproduced, way-too-busy debates with ominous theme music and hellishly long, dramatic promotional spots, tonight’s PBS debate is, in all its soft blue haze and white-columned cool, quite refreshing.
Not only does the pale, celestial blue lighting of the stage transmit a vibe of ultra-chill that seemed to keep both candidates rather subdued, the moderation, provided by the ever-excellent Gwen Ifill and Judy Woodruff, lent an air of NPR-like ease.
Which isn’t to say the debate isn’t substantive (it’s perhaps the wonkiest so far), only that it’s so smooth and relaxed you could light some candles, put your feet up, and trance out to the vibe.
I mean, if you wanted to.