How to Watch the Presidential Debate and Engage Thoughtfully

Presidential debates stand as pivotal moments in the electoral cycle, offering voters a direct comparison of candidates and their platforms. In an era marked by deep political divides, these debates can be surprisingly influential, potentially swaying undecided voters and solidifying support among core demographics. Experts suggest that understanding how to watch these debates effectively is more crucial than ever for informed civic engagement. This article delves into strategies for watching presidential debates, drawing on insights from political science and communication experts to help you make the most of these crucial political events.

Understanding the Stakes: Why Presidential Debates Matter

While some analyses suggest that debates have limited impact due to increasing polarization, the reality is more nuanced. As Professor Marc Hetherington from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill points out, even incremental shifts in voter sentiment can be decisive in closely contested elections. With a shrinking pool of undecided voters, debates become a critical battleground for candidates to mobilize their base and persuade the remaining swing voters.

Professor Mark McNeilly from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School echoes this sentiment, highlighting that debates provide a prime opportunity for candidates to address voter concerns, attack opponent weaknesses, and project a favorable image. In essence, debates are not just about policy details; they are strategic communication platforms designed to shape public perception and drive media narratives that extend far beyond the debate itself.

Learning from the Past to Watch Smarter

To truly understand how to watch a presidential debate effectively, it’s beneficial to look back at historical precedents. Professor Christian Lundberg from UNC’s communication department draws a parallel to the Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858. These debates were characterized by substantive engagement, with citizens closely reading transcripts and thoughtfully considering the arguments presented by each candidate.

In contrast, today’s media landscape is often fragmented and dominated by soundbites and partisan echo chambers. This makes it harder for voters to gain a comprehensive understanding of candidates’ positions through debates alone. Therefore, watching debates actively and critically, rather than passively consuming media snippets afterward, becomes paramount.

Preparation and Tactics: What to Look For

Presidential debates are not spontaneous Q&A sessions. They are carefully orchestrated events where candidates employ specific tactics to convey their messages. Lundberg, who coaches debate participants, emphasizes that debates are “an opportunity for messaging.” Each question is a chance for candidates to reiterate core themes and resonate with their target audiences.

When you watch a presidential debate, pay attention to the following:

Messaging over Details: Candidates prioritize delivering key messages rather than delving into intricate policy specifics. Focus on identifying these core messages and evaluating their consistency and appeal.
Media Narrative Strategy: Candidates aim to influence next-day media coverage. Observe which candidate successfully frames the debate narrative and how their soundbites are likely to be picked up by news outlets and social media.
Base Mobilization Tactics: Candidates often address issues that are most important to their core voter base. Identify these issues and analyze how each candidate attempts to energize their supporters.
Swing Voter Appeals: Note how candidates try to sway undecided voters. Look for attempts to address broader concerns and present themselves as reasonable and appealing to a wider electorate.
Personal Attacks vs. Issue-Based Arguments: Be aware of both policy discussions and personal attacks. Evaluate whether attacks are relevant and impactful or merely distractions from substantive issues.

Key Issues and Voter Concerns: Guiding Your Viewing

Understanding the major issues at stake can significantly enhance your debate-watching experience. According to a Pew Research poll referenced by McNeilly, voter priorities often differ between party lines.

Issues Likely to be Emphasized by Candidates:

Economy: Historically a strong point for one party, but now complicated by economic uncertainties. Pay attention to how candidates address economic recovery, job creation, and financial security.
Healthcare: A consistently critical issue, especially in light of recent public health crises. Note candidates’ plans for healthcare access, affordability, and pandemic response.
COVID-19 Pandemic: The ongoing pandemic and its multifaceted impacts remain a central concern. Assess candidates’ approaches to managing the health crisis, vaccine distribution, and economic recovery related to the pandemic.
Racial and Ethnic Inequality: Issues of social justice and racial equality have gained prominence. Evaluate candidates’ stances on racial justice, police reform, and addressing systemic inequalities.
Immigration: A divisive issue that often mobilizes specific voter segments. Analyze candidates’ positions on border security, immigration reform, and pathways to citizenship.
Crime and Public Safety: Concerns about crime rates and urban unrest are often highlighted. Compare candidates’ approaches to law enforcement, criminal justice reform, and community safety.
Gun Control: A perennially debated topic with strong opinions on both sides. Understand candidates’ positions on gun rights, gun safety regulations, and approaches to reducing gun violence.

By being aware of these key issues, you can more effectively evaluate candidates’ responses and determine how their platforms align with your own priorities.

Expectations and Avoiding Bias: Watching Fairly

Experts emphasize that judging debate performance often comes down to expectations. Voters tend to assess whether a candidate exceeded or fell short of pre-debate expectations, which are often set low, especially in the case of candidates perceived to be weaker debaters.

Tips for Fair and Objective Debate Watching:

Recognize Expectation Games: Be aware that pre-debate narratives can shape your perception of a candidate’s performance. Try to evaluate candidates based on their actual arguments and demeanor during the debate, not just pre-conceived notions.
Challenge Your Own Biases: Actively try to listen to both sides with an open mind. Recognize your own political leanings and consciously attempt to understand the perspectives of candidates you might disagree with.
Focus on Substance Over Style (but acknowledge style matters): While debate style and delivery are important, prioritize evaluating the substance of candidates’ arguments. However, acknowledge that effective communication is also a crucial aspect of leadership.
Look Beyond Soundbites: Resist the urge to form opinions based solely on short, catchy phrases. Seek deeper understanding of candidates’ policy positions and reasoning.
Consult Multiple Sources After the Debate: After watching the debate, seek out analysis from diverse media outlets and fact-checking organizations to get a well-rounded perspective.

The Vice-Presidential Debate: A Unique Dynamic

The vice-presidential debate carries its own significance, particularly in certain election years. Experts note that the 2020 vice-presidential debate was especially important due to the age of one presidential candidate, making the vice-presidential nominee appear as a potential “POTUS-in-waiting.”

Key Considerations for Watching the VP Debate:

Presidential Readiness: Assess whether each VP candidate demonstrates the capability to step into the presidency if necessary.
Attacking Styles: VP candidates often take on a more aggressive attacking role. Observe the strategies used – are they focusing on records, statements, or character?
Gender and Racial Dynamics: Be mindful of potential gender and racial biases in how VP candidates are perceived, especially female candidates who may face different standards of likability and assertiveness.

Demanding More from Debates: Engaging as Informed Citizens

Ultimately, the value of presidential debates hinges on how actively and thoughtfully citizens engage with them. Experts like Hetherington and Lundberg call for a shift towards a “demand-side solution,” where voters demand more substantive and informative debates.

How to Demand More Meaningful Debates:

Listen to Understand, Not Just to Respond: Approach debates with a genuine desire to understand different perspectives, even those you disagree with.
Demand Details and Accountability: As voters, we can signal that we value in-depth policy discussions and hold candidates accountable for the accuracy and consistency of their statements.
Support Constructive Debate Formats: Encourage media outlets and debate organizers to adopt formats that promote deeper engagement and cross-partisan dialogue.
Engage in Post-Debate Discussions: Talk to friends, family, and colleagues about the debates. Share your insights and listen to theirs to broaden your understanding and encourage thoughtful civic discourse.

By adopting these strategies for watching and engaging with presidential debates, you can move beyond passive viewership to become a more informed and active participant in the democratic process. Presidential debates, when watched thoughtfully, can indeed be consequential, empowering voters to make informed decisions and shape the future of their nation.