"Hail to the Chief": How to Watch This Week's Presidential Debate
Posted: Sunday, October 12, 2008
by Walter Rhett
Charleston Perlo
Turned off by political hot air? Listen again, and learn to filter out attacks and smears. Listen for infomation about each candidate's featured plans!
First, tune out the attacks. Don't respond emotionally even if the attack is made by the candidate you support. Take deep breaths, glance away, think of your agenda for tomorrow, but don't let the attack govern your response!
Next, listen closely when either candidate puts forth a plan or offers details. Do they analyze the problem, talk about its effects? Is their plan comprehensive? Long term or short? How much will it cost? How long will it take? What are the expected results? Does the plan match the goals you think are important for the country? What are the down sides? Is the plan a hot button gimmick, designed to attract voters? Is it thoughful and sound and doable?
Lastly, avoid evaluating a candidate based on personal views! I don't agree with my boss on all issues, but he or she can still be a good leader, a steady hand, and an understanding team player. Look for the attributes of leadership. Respect, the quality of communication, the strength to agree with your opponent and build common ground, the willingness to listen to other points of view.
So tune out attacks, take out your personal views, and look and listen closely for plans and leadership. The next President is worthy of serious consideration as you make your decision. Think with vision and heart!
First, tune out the attacks. Don't respond emotionally even if the attack is made by the candidate you support. Take deep breaths, glance away, think of your agenda for tomorrow, but don't let the attack govern your response!
Lastly, avoid evaluating a candidate based on personal views! I don't agree with my boss on all issues, but he or she can still be a good leader, a steady hand, and an understanding team player. Look for the attributes of leadership. Respect, the quality of communication, the strength to agree with your opponent and build common ground, the willingness to listen to other points of view.
So tune out attacks, take out your personal views, and look and listen closely for plans and leadership. The next President is worthy of serious consideration as you make your decision. Think with vision and heart!
(Also by the author, Walter Rhett; click "Getting to Know You": Who Will Make the Most Interesting First Lady? , "Compared to What?": The Debate Performance of John McCain, and Protect Your Vote: Everything you Need to Know to Vote-On... . Thanks for reading!)
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Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)I think this is truly how people need to listen to debates and listen to the candidates. Too often the vote goes to the most popular not for the one who believe in the values that we most desire in a leader. Good job.
Dear Walter!Great article. Good advice, especially the last paragraph,“Tread the Earth Lightly” and in the meantime… May your day be filled with…Peace, Light and Love,
Walter I think you are so right! Too often we let our emotions dictate what we hear. As Jack Web was fond of saying "Just the facts,mam"
hi walter,this was the absolute best advice i've heard yet. i think it's quite obvious that not everyone likes either of the candidates, but as you so graciously explained, we need to listen to their plans, their dreams for the country, their positions. thanks for sharing,best regards,sue thom
Yes in a nutshell, plans, yet do npot forget plans are unfullfilled goals. Can they be attained, what impacts, are they feasaible, when, how and ahost of otehr factors to decide on. Finally the track record for success. It says it all.
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