I have never seen a gloves-off unrehearsed political debate in the USA.
Political fixers, campaign managers, strategists, well rehearsed three-word-slogans are prepared for the masses who are getting infused with hot button emotional spins of their choice, selecting to remember their favorites.
As the US is getting more and more polarized with half-truths, conflicting information and outright lies it is hard to get to the bottom of anything.
Only having two political parties makes it easier on the lobby industry.
The presidency is not a dictator position, although it may be the only government some people grok.
Taking hot button issues off the plate would clean up the dialog, putting forth referendums would relieve politicians of using/abusing, or being abused by these, like
gun control, abortion, etc.
Maybe the US can't handle a democracy/republic?