I wish to God these bloody damned "debates" actually were!

A statement by a moderator about the question (e.g., Resolved: The Conflict in Iraq Has Been Lost). One person for pro gives a timed statement of their position. A person from con does the same. Pro again, con again. Then each side gets to rebut, again timed. Two statements per side, four rebutals, alternating like the statements. Then the moderator(s) decides who wins on points.

What we have now is a misnamed shouting-match-cum-press-conference-cum-photo-op.

(Or just put 'em together in a darkened room with each having a big knife, and the winner takes all.)