San Marcos Record, San Marcos, TX

Local News

October 11, 2008

Watching debates? Here are some tips

By Karen Nicholson

San Marcos — The League of Women Voters has developed some hints to help voters interpret candidates’ positions expressed in debates.



Top Five Tips

for Debate Watchers 

1. Think Ahead. Before the debate, make a list of the issues that are most important to you.  Write the questions you want to have answered by the candidates. 

2. Are Candidates Answering the Question? Pay attention to how the candidates answer the questions.  Are they answering the questions asked or providing information that they want to convey? Are they specific? Knowledgeable?  Combative?  Direct and clear?

3. Keep Track of Topics. Are the candidates being asked about your priority issues? Are the questions fair and pertinent?

4. Talk it out! Afterwards, talk about the debate with your friends and family.  Do more research on the topic using other sources.  Did the debate sway your decision? Did you learn something new about the candidates’ positions?

5. Vote on November 4th. It is your best opportunity to make your voice heard and help shape the issues that affect all of us! visit www.lwvtexas.org to prepare yourself.

Debates are a chance to rise above the clamor of attack ads, endless punditry and analysis.  Engage in thoughtful debate about the competing challenges such as: reforming education, healthcare alternatives, strengthening the economy, environmental protection systems, and determining the US position in the world. 

Debates are the best opportunity for voters to see, first-hand, how each candidate responds to the tough issues facing the next tenant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and other elected positions. 

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Membership in the League is open to men and women of all ages.

For more information, go to www.lwvtexas.org. to see how the League of Women Voters can help you.

  

Debate Schedule

• President (John McCain, Barack Obama)

Oct. 15, 8 p.m., major networks and PBS

• US Senate (John Cornyn, Rick Noriega)

Oct. 16, 8 p.m., PBS

 

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