2007-08-06 13:29:03 · 8 answers · asked by BELINDA B 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Elections
Especially in the general election, most presidential hopefuls have staff persons who help them prepare. The role of these staff persons is to prepare likely questions and go over them with the candidate. They also consider attacks that other candidates might make (or traps that other candidates might set).
Depending on the importance of the debate, the candidate will typically take some time off from fundraising or campaigning to do some intense prep work. The more important the debate, the more prep time is set aside.
Obviously, the goal is to know in advance of the debate which points the candidate wants to make and have a nice couple of soundbites that are likely to be picked up on the news after the debate. Likewise, the candidate wants to have a plan in place for escaping unharmed from the tough questions and a way to deflect any attacks.
2007-08-06 13:37:07 · answer #1 · answered by Tmess2 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hi,
If you're running for President of the United States, odds are you're already pretty good at debating. That said, even the most seasoned politician still prepares.
The site, Local Victory, offers tips on how to prepare candidates for debates. Apparently, there are two main components -- research and writing. Candidates should be "prepared for every question he or she may be asked, and for every answer his or her opponent(s) may give."
The candidate should also have several "one-liners or anecdotes" to go along with the issues. To the audience, these are made to come off as casual remarks. But rest assured, they are carefully planned.
The Arizona Republic hosts an article on the various strategies Republican candidates used while preparing for a recent debate. Surprisingly, when you're early in the campaign, the goal isn't necessarily to win the debate. Instead, it's more about avoiding a huge gaffe that will take you out of the race.
Mike
2007-08-06 20:49:56 · answer #2 · answered by Ask Mike 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I haven't heard a "genuine" debate yet, but I would bet the candidates have a say in subjects they want to cover. I prefer to hear "off the cuff" answers. However, they keep answering the same questions (phrased differently).
2007-08-06 21:32:38 · answer #3 · answered by Eyes 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They use "role play". They try to anticipate all the questions they'll be asked & have prepared answers.
2007-08-06 20:43:52 · answer #4 · answered by mstrywmn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Judging by the recent 'debates', my guess is they don't.
2007-08-06 21:05:44 · answer #5 · answered by STEVEN F 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Bush gets a microphone put in his ear!
The rest have to go through theirs and everyone elses, position!
2007-08-06 20:33:00 · answer #6 · answered by cantcu 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
hopefully.
2007-08-06 21:38:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They crack their knuckles.
2007-08-06 20:36:16 · answer #8 · answered by Tbone 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋