After staggering through the many debates on both the Republican and Democratic side, I think I’ve got it analyzed pretty well.
The candidates are giving us name calling, finger pointing, constant insults, making disparaging remarks, etc. Each time the audience likes what the candidate says, they cheer wildly. If they disagree, you hear a lot of hissing and booing.
These reactions bog down the debates, causing candidates and moderators alike to pause until they can be heard.