Here’s my challenge to all Americans planning on watching the Presidential debates…:-)
Posted : September 27, 2004 at 1:17 pm [America/Los_Angeles]
To ensure that you don’t let the Spin Masters in the Media (Democrats or Republicans) fool you, here’s how I would advice you to watch the Presidential debates:
Step 1: Turn on the television exactly at the time the debate starts. If you have C-SPAN, use it to watch the debates. If not, starting the television at the right time will be crucial. That’s really your only chance to avoid the Spin Masters.
Step 2: Take notes and grade each candidate. Basically, give them points kinda like the judges do in a Boxing match. Come to think of it, you might want to come up with a short list of attributes you would like to grade the candidates on. Needless to say, you want to do this before the debate starts.
Step 3: When the debates finish, close the television immediately. Go over your notes. Make any changes, adjustments that you would like to make. Overall impression of the candidate during the debate is definitely something you need to be grading the two candidates on. Write down who you think won and a brief description explaining why.
Step 4: Watch the media (cable shows, national evening news, local news and radio talkshows) for the next few days closely. See what the pundits have to say, or as I sometimes harshly say, “Listen and watch as the political pundits puke all over you”.
Step 5: Share (blog, email or discuss) your findings with a friend.
Enjoy!
- Anand
Category: United (or not) State of American Politics 2004