Whether you’re interested in politics, policy or simply watching the world spin around you, political debate is an integral part of our daily lives. But how can you engage with a complex topic and be an informed voter? 1. Understand the opposing positions involved. This might seem obvious, but it’s important to be familiar with both sides of a story, so that you can ask questions that help inform your understanding. This may be best done by researching a pro/con database or reading current, “popular” takes on the debate (from news sources, for example).
2. Keep in mind that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Ninety minutes is a long time to listen without a commercial break, especially when the content is dense and political. It’s critical to pace yourself so that you can process what you’re hearing and seeing, particularly with regard to nonverbal communication and the tone of a speaker’s voice.
3. Take notes. This will not only help you remember what was said, but it can also point to areas you might want to research further. It’s helpful to jot down the answers that candidates gave to specific questions, as well as to note what aspects of their delivery were particularly effective or unproductive.
4. Remember that a presidential debate is a public event. It’s important to remember that the debates you watch are funded by contributions made to a nonpartisan, tax-exempt organization (the Commission on Presidential Debates) and are intended to be an opportunity for civic education. This includes the participation of a diverse audience of citizens in a forum where participants are encouraged to ask questions.