Some may say that presidential debates have a significant effect on the outcome of an election. Of course there are lasting statements that linger in our minds for quite some time, but in just a few days all of the uproar about a certain inappropriate line or absurd statement fades away. There have been many key quotes (“binders full of women”, “horses and bayonets”) that have been highlights of the debates, but other than sheer entertainment, do these phrases have any impact? In my opinion, there is only one word to sum up the debates for this election: awkward. Many odd things were said, many interruptions occurred, and uncomfortable vibes were given. But besides those questionable moments, did the candidates’ point of views on the topics really make a difference? Most Americans may go into watching the debates already knowing who they are going to vote for and what their personal stance is on many issues. And most of those voters already know what the candidates are going to say as well. We all already know there are two sides, or more, to every debate. In my personal opinion it's not about the topics, but about how the debater handles the questions. Either viewpoint on a topic can seem great and believable if articulated the correct way. However, since parties are so split and have a history of having different beliefs it's hard to tell who is actually correct. Political issues are based on opinions with no universal truth or correct answer, and there will always be Americans that support opposing sides. Therefore, unless something earth-shattering happens and we all unlock to code to the best and only way to run a country, there will never be a clear winner. Unless a candidate performs poorly and gives really awkward answers (which did happen) I can’t see how a presidential debate would actually make that much of an impact. And lets face it, the candidates are, or appear to be, debating professionals. Or just really good and knowing what the American public wants to hear. And if they make any kind of impact, it is most likely on the undecided voter.
Evidence proves that debates don’t make that much of an impact on American voters because the polls don’t really shift. Even if they do, is it enough to effect the outcome? Or is there another factor? Media can make even a bigger impact on the voter than the actual debate. Depending on which coverage a viewer watches or which articles about the debate that the voter may read afterward can severely impact their opinion about who won the debate and whether or not it will affect their vote. I have found different opinions about who the winner was for all the of debates, and depending on which side a person is exposed to will most likely sway their ultimate decision. And since there is so much evidence for either side, a voter is most likely to look at the reviews that put their candidate in favor. So maybe the debate does have somewhat of an effect on the voter, but which factors that contribute to the swaying of votes is the question.
I agree, Liz, that it's not the topics themselves, but rather HOW the candidates answer the questions, that matters. For example, when Romney is asked about gun control, but takes his speaking time to instead go back and re-address or correct statements about his policies on China, that turns me off more than anything he could have actually said about gun control (or China!). How they present themselves is essentially the most important factor here.
ReplyDeleteI also think it's interesting that you talked about the media coverage of debates. It definitely seems true to me that what you watch after a debate can heavily impact your thinking about it. If you hear that so-and-so definitely won, then you're probably going to continue to think that when your friends bring it up. And if they're contentious about it, maybe you'll even want to vindicate yourself by voting for that candidate! Heck, even watching something like Professor Leek on WZZM claiming the first debate was a Romney victory could have influenced plenty of people in the governor's favor. I suppose we'll know next week just how much of an impact these debates truly have!