Post-Debate Instruction

I’ve coached competitive high school debate for the past thirteen years, earning two diamond awards from the National Forensic League. I also have taught an elective speech class, and I regularly work debate activities into my English classes, especially as a means to teach persuasive writing and speaking.

To that end, I’d like to tackle yesterday’s Presidential debate from the standpoint of what I would like my own students to take away from it. Here are some of the instructional points that I would bring up in the classroom. Bear in mind that I’m simply highlighting the way each candidate expressed their viewpoint and managed their message during their two hours of stage and screen time. I’m not engaging in fact-checking here, nor am I arguing the merits of either side’s claims. I’m more interested in the candidates’ strategies and execution as public speakers and debaters.

1) Romney debated more than the President

State of the Union, Part 2

 

Karen Lewis, a former chemistry teacher, has orchestrated one of the greatest economics lessons in a generation. As the leader of the Chicago Teachers Union, she has shown America how to rebuild our sluggish and staggering markets.

State of the Union, Part 1

The teachers of Chicago’s Public Schools returned to the classrooms yesterday. The first lesson those students deserve is one of history, as this month has seen a poignant confluence of economic events.

Just two weeks ago, we all sauntered back to work on a Tuesday having just celebrated a national holiday that honors the achievements of organized labor. Ever since, the plight of our nation’s unions has occupied every section of our newspapers.

A Victory For Balance

 

I’m always intrigued by the social media discussions that we are now privy to when historic news breaks, such as today’s Supreme Court decision in NFIB vs. Sebelius. Naturally, much of the coverage and comments have zeroed in on Chief Justice Roberts’ justification of the individual mandate as a tax rather than as an acceptable form of interstate commerce regulation, which was the main argument offered by proponents of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Some have claimed that Roberts’ reasoning opens the door for the federal government to tax anything and everything in ways that will allow it to shape citizens’ behavior to a frightening extent. I think that ship has already sailed, though.

The Race

 
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Author Charles Wheelan gave readers of the Wall Street Journal a preview of his latest book at the end of April in an essay entitled “10 Things Your Commencement Speaker Won’tTell You.” Perfectly timed with the onset of the prom dress and cap-and-gown season, I was especially drawn to item #5 on his list. He refers to what he calls “the Little League arms race”, an extended metaphor that illustrates a social trend that, I would argue, is increasingly defining American culture