How to Watch a Debate
Watching debates with a critical eye is important. Candidates rehearse for their debates. As a viewer, before the debate, determine what issues matter most to you. The League of Women Voters offers Debate Watching 101. When candidates answer questions, do they...
- Do they answer questions directly, or evade them?
- Do they give specifics about their stands on the issues, or speak in generalities?
- Do they support their positions and arguments with facts and figures?
- Do they talk about their own policies and positions, or mostly attack their opponents?
- Are their proposals realistic? Can they actually carry out promises they are making?
- Do they appear sincere, confident and relaxed?
- Do they show how their backgrounds and experience qualify them to hold the office?
- Are their answers consistent with their previous positions? If not, do they explain why?
- What image of themselves are they trying to create?
- Do their responses appear overly rehearsed?
