How Will "We The People" Rate the Debate?
On Tuesday, the Vice Presidential candidates will have their one and only “debate.” As candidates mostly spout their memorized talking points, these are not debates, but are more accurately described as scripted political theater. Instead of determining who has the best arguments or the best plan, most people usually judge these performances by entertainment standards.
Because people view these events as entertainment, those with little knowledge of debate think a “gotcha” moment or something humorous is important; when in reality, these comments should have no impact on how a debate is evaluated.
In an actual debate, a judge determines the winner. Since there are no official judges for these “debates,” this task is left to us.
When watching Tuesday’s debate, l suggest you try a simple debate rating program where “we the people” make an effort to objectively and quantitatively evaluate the debate. Sure, there is plenty of room for personal interpretation, but at the end of the night we might be able to say, for example, that candidate X scored 3 points, and candidate Y scored -2 points on immigration.
Afterwards, we will be able to point to statements where we awarded or deducted points. We can compare notes and discuss the scoring. Afterwards, we may even choose to evaluate a transcript of the debate in order to do a more detailed analysis. This system encourages “we the people” to have input on the post-debate narrative, rather than nod off while listening to talking heads who may be promoting a political perspective.
An easy way to rate the debate is to divide several sheets of paper into 3 columns. Just fold the left edges of the paper over by about an inch and then fold again about another inch. The right column is about 5-6 inches wide, and inside this section you will very quickly write notes and the questions asked of the candidates. You can even write the candidates’ answers in the large column. Label the two smaller columns with the candidates’ names. Award a point in the box for the candidate you felt deserves a point for that topic or question. And provide negative points for candidates who lie, don’t answer the question, etc. (more scoring details follow below). At the end of the debate, just add up the totals in each column, and you’ll have a winner.
(There was a clip from a spreadsheet here showing 3 columns but it vanished when I posted this)
Here is my proposed scoring system. When a candidate talks, you can add or subtract points for the following reasons.
Scoring:
Add 1 Point for the Following:
Award 1 Point – Thoughts are organized and presented clearly
Award 1 Point – Points are supported with facts, evidence, examples, etc.
Award 1 Point – Persuasion: the candidate’s statements make sense, and they are persuasive
Award 1 Point – Clearly and accurately criticizing the other’s policy weaknesses
Subtract 1 Point for the Following
Subtract 1 Point – For each lie or significant inaccuracy or exaggeration
Subtract 1 Point – For failure to answer the question
Subtract 1 Point – For personal attacks on the opponent
Subtract 1 Point – Repeated interruptions of the opponent’s time
Subtract 1 Point – Each time a false claim is repeated
Award Zero Points for the following:
0 Points – Zingers, jokes, wisecracks, comedy
Debate Rating Example:
For example, in the Harris/Trump debate, I awarded -1 point to Vice President Harris for not answering the first question: When it comes to the economy, do you believe Americans are better off than they were four years ago?
By using this process, we may be taking the first step in once again having actual debates that promote the merits of policy, rather than the entertainment-based fluff we call a debate today.
The rules for all debates should be the same, throughout all campaigns. And candidates should be able to ask each other questions about their statements and policies. If a Candidate X refuses to participate in a debate, Candidate Y should be given ½ the total debate time, uninterrupted, to explain his or her policies and run campaign commercials. Candidate X’s empty chair should be shown in split screen throughout the debate.
I am tired of the nonsense that is served to us as political debates, and it is up to those of us who know something is wrong to provide suggestions as to how a debate could be more fairly evaluated.
If you choose to try this scoring system, please write back and share your results. Also, any suggestions to modify the scoring system will be welcomed as well.
By the way, I’m not a debate expert, but I do have some experience. Long ago in high school and college my best record was 20 wins and 3 losses (it helped to have an excellent partner who was better than I was). I also served as the Debate Team President.