Debating Debates
October 26, 2011 - by
Kathleen Parker of the Washington Post opined that debates are “no way to pick a President.” I beg to differ.
Her opinion is rooted in a media misunderstanding of what voters look for in debates. She wrote: “Now we judge a candidate’s worthiness for public office as much according to his stage performance as by his plan to balance the budget. Scorecards include hair, makeup, wardrobe and body language. In other words, the leader of the free world has to be someone we want to watch. Is he or she good teevee?”
She’s voicing a classic elite opinion: debates are superficial. And the media is often frustrated because it can’t figure out how to grade winners and losers in debates.
It’s very easy.
The winner of a debate is the most comfortable person on stage. Always.
From JFK in 1960 to Reagan in 1980 to Clinton always. This time, in the Republican debates, it’s usually Mitt Romney.
This piece from the New York Times explains why Romney is doing better this time than in 2008:
“This time, he has shed much of the operational and psychological baggage that weighed down, and ultimately doomed, his maiden campaign. Gone are the extensive debate rehearsals, the bickering consultants, the corporate dress code and the urge to explain everything. That may explain why, for all his ups and downs, Mr. Romney’s public presentation and debate appearances have been far more consistent this time.”
In other words, he’s more comfortable than anybody else on stage. Rick Perry is visibly uncomfortable. Herman Cain did well for a while, until he started taking heat. Michelle Bachman looks deranged. Rick Santorum tries too hard.
Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich are comfortable, but they’re, well, Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich.
By the way, how did Kennedy prepare for his debates with Nixon? He relaxed in the sun and freshened up his tan. He read through possible questions and answers on index cards – alone. And he took a nap.
There’s nothing superficial about this. Voters are looking for someone they trust, someone they sense has the temperament to handle the crises and challenges that will confront a President. We want a President who is calm, confident and comfortable in a tough situation. Debates help us see the candidates in just such a setting.
Debating Debates
October 26, 2011/
Kathleen Parker of the Washington Post opined that debates are “no way to pick a President.” I beg to differ.
Her opinion is rooted in a media misunderstanding of what voters look for in debates. She wrote: “Now we judge a candidate’s worthiness for public office as much according to his stage performance as by his plan to balance the budget. Scorecards include hair, makeup, wardrobe and body language. In other words, the leader of the free world has to be someone we want to watch. Is he or she good teevee?”
She’s voicing a classic elite opinion: debates are superficial. And the media is often frustrated because it can’t figure out how to grade winners and losers in debates.
It’s very easy.
The winner of a debate is the most comfortable person on stage. Always.
From JFK in 1960 to Reagan in 1980 to Clinton always. This time, in the Republican debates, it’s usually Mitt Romney.
This piece from the New York Times explains why Romney is doing better this time than in 2008:
“This time, he has shed much of the operational and psychological baggage that weighed down, and ultimately doomed, his maiden campaign. Gone are the extensive debate rehearsals, the bickering consultants, the corporate dress code and the urge to explain everything. That may explain why, for all his ups and downs, Mr. Romney’s public presentation and debate appearances have been far more consistent this time.”
In other words, he’s more comfortable than anybody else on stage. Rick Perry is visibly uncomfortable. Herman Cain did well for a while, until he started taking heat. Michelle Bachman looks deranged. Rick Santorum tries too hard.
Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich are comfortable, but they’re, well, Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich.
By the way, how did Kennedy prepare for his debates with Nixon? He relaxed in the sun and freshened up his tan. He read through possible questions and answers on index cards – alone. And he took a nap.
There’s nothing superficial about this. Voters are looking for someone they trust, someone they sense has the temperament to handle the crises and challenges that will confront a President. We want a President who is calm, confident and comfortable in a tough situation. Debates help us see the candidates in just such a setting.