VP Debate Battle of Style vs. Substance, says Debate Expert

Emory University debate coach James Roland says Gov. Sarah Palin and Sen. Joe Biden both hit their marks in the only vice presidential debate Thursday night.

"I think Gov. Palin definitely exceeded expectations. She held her own and had no major problems or mistakes. Biden, though, was far superior in his content and presentation," says Roland.

"Neither one did a bad job. Both were quite effective in persuading their target audiences and communicating the differences in their ideologies. If you're more moved by style and presentation then Palin definitely won for you. If you prefer substance and content, then Joe Biden was far better and the stronger debater," he says.

Roland is director of Community Debate Programs and debate coach for Emory's Barkley Forum. He is a former nationally ranked debater and as s director of programs for the National Debate Project, Roland is one of the nation's foremost experts on the role of debate in urban education. He has been a debate advisor to the U.S. State Department, Atlanta Housing Authority, Open Society Institute and Urban Debate Leagues in Miami, Milwaukee, Memphis, Washington, D.C., New York, Nashville, Baltimore and Jamaica.

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Emory University: McCain's Call to Halt Campaign Risky, Unprecedented

Two Emory University political scientists say Sen. John McCain's request to suspend campaign activities, delay the first debate with Sen. Barack Obama and concentrate on the economy is unprecedented, with no predictable outcomes.

"I have never heard of anything happening like this. I don’t see how McCain's decision to suspend his campaign and his desire to delay the debate are going to have an affect on the economy," says Emory political scientist Alan Abramowitz. "People really want to hear what the candidates have to say, and although foreign policy is supposed to be the topic, they can use the debates to talk about the economy."

"This is completely new territory, very interesting, high stakes politics,” says Emory political scientist Merle Black. "McCain's absence from the first debate, if it occurs, would be unprecedented and risky. It would give Barack Obama an opportunity to speak directly to Americans without opposition for 90 minutes."

"McCain's priority this week is helping resolve the current financial crisis rather than debating his opponent. His absence would indicate that a bipartisan bill that satisfies sufficient members of both parties has not been struck," Black says. "If McCain can help bring about a resolution of the crisis before Friday night, he is likely to appear in Mississippi and claim credit for leadership that transcends partisanship."

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Emory: Presidential Debates: Expect Talking Points, Gaffe Avoidance

The first in a series of Presidential debates is set for Friday, giving the American public an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates, Republican Sen. John McCain and Democratic Senator Barack Obama. Emory University political scientist Alan Abramowitz weighs in on what to expect.

"The debates are overrated in terms of their impact on the electorate. Polling data the past few decades has shown that the net impact is very small, only a couple of points," says Abramowitz, a renowned expert on polling, national politics and elections.

"Generally people react to debates along party lines and already have their minds made up," Abramowitz says. "Undecided voters are less like to watch the debates to begin with, and even those who do are generally not influenced by them very much." In 2004, Democratic candidate Sen. John Kerry was perceived as the winner of all three debates, "but that didn't help him much," he says.

"I wouldn't expect or look for anything dramatic," says Abramowitz, noting the intensive preparation the candidates are undergoing. "Both candidates will stick to their talking points, so we're not likely to hear anything new or different, although with the state of the economy they're like to stray off course from talking about foreign policy."

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Valdosta State Holds Constitutional Debate September 19

The political science and history departments at Valdosta State University will host a constitutional debate at 3:30 p.m. in West Hall room 150.

In celebration of Constitution Day, student panels will debate constitutional issues, including the death penalty for juveniles and gun control.

The free event is open to all members of VSU and local communities.

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