Speaking as a professional debate educator, I wouldn't say the lessons of persuasive public speaking, critical thinking and respect for civil discourse were the candidates' top priority in Miami.
On 6/27/19 at 12:08 PM EDTFor many,"debating" brings to mind an image a bit like my classroom: students wearing their best clothes, presenting well-researched arguments on a controversial topic for which they have been randomly assigned to defend one side or the other. That highly valuable common assignment is designed to teach persuasive public speaking, critical thinking and respect for civil discourse.
The beginning of the presidential debate season is more like the first round of"The Hunger Games." It's a brutal struggle to survive a crucial test, distance yourself from the rest of the pack and prove that you have the skills to take down your ultimate opponent—in this case, President Donald Trump—in a one-on-one smackdown before an audience of millions.Candidates need to avoid gaffes, get noticed and"move the needle" in the vital push for campaign momentum.
Castro oozed credibility when discussing the issue of immigration."I want to challenge every candidate on this stage to support the repeal of Section 1325," he said, referencing the law that criminalizes crossing the U.S. border without documents. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and former Maryland Representative John Delaney, on the other hand, wouldn't have passed my test. They came across as desperate as they sniped from the sides, often speaking out of turn and over time. When de Blasio trumpeted his successes in New York City, most Americans must have wondered what that had to do with them. At one point, Delaney attempted to bolster his credibility by touting his extensive campaign travel.
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