Debate Performance I: A Report Card Checklist

How they do depends on eight factors

Entering into the final stretch of the 2012 Presidential Campaign, the debates are upon us.  Debates are common place in State and Federal elections at all levels.  Presidential Campaign Debates are an opportunity to see well-funded and well-prepared candidates bring on their A game in the most watched political debates of the year.  

The value of the debates derive from the format.  Two candidates meet in an unscripted, uncontrolled environment without tele-prompters, notes, or back up.  The debates often provide an insight into the candidate's temperament under pressure.  In truth we elect a candidate less because of their positions on past issues, but rather their character to handle unforeseen future issues.

Debates will never change either candidate's views nor of their committed supporters.  The best that Presidential Campaigns can hope for is to convince undecideds,  win the post-debate spin, and buoy their base.  Debate performance depends upon eight factors:

Demeanor - Candidates must walk a thin line between being aggressive and not coming across as mean-spirited.  Candidates must appear calm, in control, and worthy of the title of President.

Appearance - Candidates must appear refreshed, well-dressed and groomed.  

Command of Facts - The Candidate must be able to marshal facts and examples to support his or her position in brief and memorable way while not getting bogged down into too much detail.

Ability to simply articulate the complex - A candidate who can articulate complex policy points into a vision that resonates with voters will be more successful.  

Ability to Respond to Anticipated Questions and Attacks - A well prepared candidate should have practiced and rehearsed statements ready when faced with obvious anticipated attacks from the opposition or question from the moderator.

Ability to launch expected Attacks and Claims - A well prepared candidate should have practiced and rehearsed statements ready to launch obvious anticipated attacks from the opposition or claims supporting his or her candidacy.

Bonus Points for Zingers and Jokes - Most zingers and jokes are well-prepared and rehearsed.  Whether they get launched depends upon what the opposition says, and the candidate's ability to spring the trap.  Example:  In 1988 Lloyd Bentsen's debate team figured that Dan Quayle would compare himself to President Jack Kennedy in an effort to diffuse concern about his youth and inexperience.  When he did, Bentsen unleashed a famous attack ending with the line, "Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy."

Avoid Gaffes - More difficult to prepare against, gaffes occur when the candidate permits himself to be led off the prepared track.  Most Candidates should never stray far beyond the areas of preparation, pivoting, and re-framing the question if possible.

By no means exhaustive, the above checklist should help you evaluate the next Presidential Debate.  

QUESTION:  What moments corresponding with the above list do you recall?