Rate the Debates

Debating the debates -- around the world

mthompson — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:21:42 -0400

Link TV's "Global Pulse" looks at how media around the world covered the U.S. presidential debates.

Media Minutes: October 17, 2008

Candace Clement — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:13:17 -0400

The Open Debate Coalition wants to change the format of political debates to make them accountable and open to the people. And privacy policies are important to consumers – but they take too long to read. A new study from Carnegie Mellon shows the need for change.

Media Minutes (2008-10-17)

Candace Clement — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:12:24 -0400

Debates Still No Place for Average Joes

Stevie Converse — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:06:24 -0400

Full article: Huffington Post
Timothy Karr
Joe the Plumber may have played a role the Oct. 15 debate, but average "Janes" and "Joes" were left on the sidelines. With the digital world at our fingertips, we the people have come to expect a seat at the table. The Commission on Presidential Debates -- the party-controlled organization that dictates debate formats -- remains reluctant, however, to offer up a chair.

Debate Watchers Score Schieffer Best Moderator, Still Want More Challenges to Candidate Spin

Stevie Converse — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:48:42 -0400

Full article: Free Press
Supporters of both Barack Obama and John McCain gave CBS News anchor Bob Schieffer a thumbs-up for his moderation of the third and final presidential debate at Hofstra University on Long Island. But many felt the moderator could have done more to challenge the candidates' spin with tougher follow-up questions.

Outside Debate, Hempstead Struggles

mthompson — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:20:29 -0400

As a horde of journalists descends on Hempstead, NY, to cover the third and final presidential debate, the American News Project left the pack to hear from people outside of the media spotlight.

Bull Disclosure

Stevie Converse — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:36:00 -0400

Full article: Boston Phoenix
Adam Reilly
As the candidates prep for the final debate, it's a fitting time to ask: Why do some journalistic conflicts of interest become scandals, while others get almost no attention at all?

When Your Political Opinion Isn't Yours Alone

Stevie Converse — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:10:04 -0400

Full article: Wall Street Journal
Sam Schechner
Recent psychological experiments suggest live feedback graphics on TV screens during the presidential debates can influence viewers' judgments. That might give tiny focus groups outsize influence, especially over undecideds. But there is a broader question: How much of our political opinions are our own?

Six Ways to Improve the Debates

Stevie Converse — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:27:22 -0400

Full article: Columbia Journalism Review
Justin Peters
The consensus seems to be that the presidential debate in Nashville was extremely boring. Here are six viable suggestions for how the next one could be better.

Sign up to rate tonight's debate

mthompson — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:58:42 -0400

Sign up to rate the fourth and final debate hosted by CBS News' Bob Schieffer. And see what other Americans thought about the quality of the debates so far.