Rules Analyst Kristin Arnold deconstructs the Biden/Trump debate structure and likes what she saw from the moderator and more.
Kristin Arnold: More positive on this debate
Kristin Arnold, a professional debate analyst, was much more positive on this debate than the first presidential debate and vice-presidential debate. Immediately after the debate, Kristin sent out her preliminary analysis.
If I were Chris Wallace, I’d be annoyed. This final debate between the two 2020 Presidential candidates was a stark difference from the first (only other) debate of the election.
As a leading expert in panel moderation, here are some highlights about the performance of the debate moderators during tonight’s debate. You can find out more detail here:
It was this confluence of events that enabled a solid discussion of the six topics she selected – as well as some decent moderating skills.
She asked a balanced number of questions between the two candidates, amount of airtime rather balanced, gave time limits to talk and deftly included the other candidate into the conversation.
She asked more pointed, closed questions and “plan” questions about “how” they intended to accomplish a stated goal.
She pointed out when there was new information and tried to probe further.
Unfortunately, she was often stymied by each candidate wanting one more comment – and she would let them!
Finally, the timing of each segment was a bit lopsided, but I don’t think anyone minded too much. She did a decent job and I am so thankful it wasn’t a reprise of the first debate!
Watch the entire interview, as Ms. Kristin Arnold provides a necessary perspective. Maybe she should moderate one of the debates.
