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Sam Nelson headshot

Nelson’s Debate Tips for Dem Hopefuls

The first Democratic primary debates are slated for later this week and according to Samuel Nelson, director of the speech and debate programs, based at ILR, the big question looming is who will appear to do well enough to beat President Donald Trump in the general election.

Nelson, who has taught debate for over 30 years, says the successful candidate will need to accomplish four things:
Not make a big mistake;
Come across as likeable;
Leave potential voters with the idea that they could be a good president by demonstrating “presidential” leadership skills such as courage and forthrightness;
Demonstrate that they could take President Trump in a debate.

This week’s debate has a unique format. The top 20 presidential hopefuls divided into two groups, with the first 10 debating on Wednesday and the remaining 10 debating Thursday.

Wednesday’s group will include Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who is polling just behind Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, and according to Nelson will have her own agenda for the debate.

“A key question will be: what does ‘presidential’ mean to the public?’ he says. “We’ve never had a woman president – so when we watch Elizabeth Warren on the first night of debate, it is possible she will offer a new view of being ‘presidential’ in a short period of time. This could set a standard for the second night of debate.”

The next round of debates — the second of 12 — will take place July 30 and 31.

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