Lesson Plan: The Presidential Debate Primer Handout #1: Discussion Questions 1.

If motivating voters to vote for their party is the highest priority for a candidate, what types of persuasion will be most powerful for each of the candidates in getting out the vote? 2. How have the 2008 presidential candidates promoted transparency, accountability, trust, and participation the keystones of the American political process in the presidential debates?

Lesson Plan: The Presidential Debate Primer Handout #2: The Structure of the Debates Primary Debates The Republican and Democratic candidates for the 2008 election participated in a series of debates within their parties to winnow down the list of candidates prior to their conventions. The Democratic candidates participated in 26 primary debates, beginning with eight candidates. The Republican candidates participated in 20 primary debates beginning with 12 candidates. The primary debates also included a cross party debate hosted by MTV and included Ron Paul, John McCain, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama in February 2008. Presidential and Vice presidential Debates History The current presidential and vice presidential debates are conducted by The Commission on Presidential Debates, an organization established by the Democratic and Republican parties in 1987 and sponsored by foundation and corporate donations. The CPD has moderated all debates since 1988. The debates were sponsored by The League of Women Voters in 1976, 1980, 1984 but they withdrew in 1988 after Michael Dukakis and George H. W. Bush signed a memorandum of understanding controlling who would be invited as debaters and panelists. The CPD limits the debates to candidates who receive at least 15 percent support across five national polls, which effectively eliminates third party candidates and prevents them from gaining significant media exposure. The candidates agreement for the 2008 Presidential Debate has not been made available to the public. Ground Rules Generally, the candidates are not allowed to bring any written materials or communication devices to their podium, but they are allowed to write notes on blank pages during the debate. They must comply with the time limits for questions and rebuttal. The audience is cautioned to be polite, and attentive, with no cheering or outbursts. Debate Formats for the 2008 Presidential Debates First 2008 Presidential Debate: Focus on foreign policy and national security issues but because of the financial crisis many of the questions dealt with finance. Moderator: Jim Lehrer. Moderator introduced nine topics and allowed each candidate two minutes to comment followed by a facilitated open discussion for five minutes. Vice Presidential Debate: Focus on foreign and domestic issues. Moderator: Gwen Ifill. Initially the debate was to follow the format used in the First and Third Presidential Debates but the Republican party requested a more structured format that shortened the question and answer sessions. Second 2008 Presidential Debate: Focus on the economy. Moderator: Tom Brokaw. A town hall format with questions submitted by the audience and

selected by the moderator. Eighty uncommitted voters, who asked many of the questions directly to the candidates, were sitting on the stage. Each candidate had two minutes to respond to each question. By mutual agreement of the candidates no one was allowed to ask follow-up questions. Third 2008 Presidential Debate: Focus on domestic policy. Moderator: Bob Schieffer. Moderator introduced nine topics and allowed each candidate two minutes to comment followed by a facilitated open discussion for five minutes. Each candidate allowed a 90 second closing statement.

Lesson Plan: The Presidential Debate Primer Handout #3: Debate Tactics to Look Out For Strong debate tactics Candor and clarity in response to challenging questions Direct clear description of policies with enough details that they can be understood by voters An understanding of problems with depth and degree to address crucial challenges Ability to think on their feet instead of reciting talking points Empathy for viewpoints within the diverse groups in the electorate Stirring metaphors appropriately linked to problems and solutions Personal stories that demonstrate strong and appealing characteristics Civility and respect for constituents and opponents Authoritative leadership Appropriate and warm humor Developing a connection to the audience and moderator Resilience and to withstand criticism Grace under pressure Weak or misleading debate tactics Reciting talking points and rhetoric without direct links to the debate question Inflammatory examples Red Herring tactic: presenting an irrelevant issue to draw attention from the pertinent topic Straw Man tactic: presenting a deliberate distortion the opponent's view so that it can be easily refuted, but the actual position of the candidate is not discussed or refuted Innuendo and suggestion about character faults of the opponent without facts or examples Personal attacks without substance or merit Clichs and platitudes Misstatements and misrepresentations Generalities when specifics are important in decision-making Derisive or mocking humor