Presidential debates have long been contested as effective means of judging a candidate’s character and policies. If successful, a candidate is likely to receive increased favorability ratings. However, it has also been noted that presidential debates are most helpful, as campaign tools, in order to increase one’s name recognition, tools for relative unknowns rather than household names. Nevertheless, because of the race being incredibly close between the two candidates, the debate matters, and was thus highly anticipated.
Held at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY, the first presidential debate of the 2016 election season was well-organized and structured. The format of the debate is described as follows. The debate lasted for ninety minutes …show more content…
These questions are selected by the moderator alone and are not previously revealed to the candidate or to the Commission of Presidential Debates. Despite these questions often referring to broad issues that the candidate is likely to prepare on, I like how this format coerces the candidates into responding more spontaneously, rather than simply regurgitating stock speeches. Then, one candidate will respond in approximately two minutes, followed by the other candidate. The remaining 10 minutes will be utilized in an open discussion format between the 2 candidates. I dislike this aspect of the debate format as despite its structure, it often results in candidates extending over 2 minutes, and then interrupting and interfering with each other’s responses, often lending itself to digressions. However, I do like how it allows for open discussion between the candidates rather than 2-minute structured ‘speeches’ as open discussion is often more effective in addressing the question. The debate does occur with candidates standing on separate podiums, rather than being seated more informally - for example, on couches - as in prior (vice) presidential debates. The audience remains silent in this debate format, which allows for the debate to progress more smoothly, in my
Held at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY, the first presidential debate of the 2016 election season was well-organized and structured. The format of the debate is described as follows. The debate lasted for ninety minutes …show more content…
These questions are selected by the moderator alone and are not previously revealed to the candidate or to the Commission of Presidential Debates. Despite these questions often referring to broad issues that the candidate is likely to prepare on, I like how this format coerces the candidates into responding more spontaneously, rather than simply regurgitating stock speeches. Then, one candidate will respond in approximately two minutes, followed by the other candidate. The remaining 10 minutes will be utilized in an open discussion format between the 2 candidates. I dislike this aspect of the debate format as despite its structure, it often results in candidates extending over 2 minutes, and then interrupting and interfering with each other’s responses, often lending itself to digressions. However, I do like how it allows for open discussion between the candidates rather than 2-minute structured ‘speeches’ as open discussion is often more effective in addressing the question. The debate does occur with candidates standing on separate podiums, rather than being seated more informally - for example, on couches - as in prior (vice) presidential debates. The audience remains silent in this debate format, which allows for the debate to progress more smoothly, in my