How to ask good questions for the CNN/Youtube debate

~~Just read this~~ The video is just a series of text screens, and here's the script if you want to avoid having to watch the video:

Candidates are going to have an easy time with most of the questions that have been submitted for the CNN/Youtube debate. However, our job should be to make them as uncomfortable as possible, and make them defend their positions and answer their critics.

The media refuses to ask the candidates tough questions, so perhaps Youtube users should fill in the gaps.

The problem with most of the questions for the Youtube/CNN debate so far is that they'll simply allow the candidates to give heart-warming two minute speeches touting vague plans and making vague promises.

Another problem is that "comedians" have entered and been approved.

Make no mistake: one or more of these worthless entries will be shown in order to provide comic relief and in order to assist the mainstream media in discrediting the Internet as the haven of kooks.

If you want attention for your shtick, please find it someplace else.

So, how do you ask a good question?

1. Ask a specific question about something that a candidate has said or done in the past. Don't just ask them a general question.

2. Do your research. Look at their websites, voting records, and past statements and actions to find their various positions.

3. Look for flaws in their policies or statements. If a candidate said something that you can prove to be false or misleading, point it out.

If a candidate supports policies that will have an effect opposite what they claim, point it out.

4. Make your question as specific as possible, without getting into too many details.

The details and supporting information can be provided in the video description or a link to another page.

At the same time, don't assume that everyone else is as familiar with a topic as you are, so provide a brief introduction if necessary.

5. Try to anticipate the answer. Pretend you're the candidate, and ask the question of yourself.

Would you feel uncomfortable answering that question, or could you just use it as an opportunity to blather on?

If you didn't answer the question that was asked, would it be obvious that you'd evaded the question?

These debates are a chance for the Internet to do the job the mainstream media refuses to do. Please try to live up to that promise.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• cnn
• youtube
• debate
• democraticdebate
• prezconference
• communitycounts

[ydnic7141967]

My question is when are we going to get our FREEDOM back??? Is the new "PREZ"gonna give it back to us? I dont follow politics at all but I hear people suffering because of lack of jobs; has anything been done? No. They did a Smoking bad a few years ago? Dont get it people can risk their lives in the military but they cant go to a bar a smoke a cigarrette? They also have to accept our KFC w no transfat because its better for us? This is not FREEDOM! Will post clip from Demoliton Man! Cindy Hall

[Nydino2009]

The suggestion that the US must consider reducing the pay and or benefits to our Military is repugnant. Why wouldn't we look for savings from programs that provide US dollars to Illegal immigrants?

[clmorgan]

Obviously you haven't heard the Perkyp Question: Are you willing to give your full support to a bipartisan Bill that would boost fleet-wide fuel economy standards? Each gallon of gas we burn puts 20 pounds of CO2 into the air, and 25% of all CO2 emissions in the US comes from the tailpipe of a car. Given that and the fact that over half of the gasoline we buy comes from foreign sources, ARE YOU WILLING TO COMMIT? AND IF NOT WHY NOT?

[AdrianDaumas]

great menu

[radioEXP]

I expect a few decent questions too be asked but nothing that would make these candidates uncomfortable. Even though this is going too be billed as a spontanious event, it will be just as contrived as any other dog and pony show with a few laughs directed at the internet community. Yeah we're just internet kooks that are clueless about how things actually work.

[sweetreview]

well said!!! but slow it down a little...i'm a slow reader!

[artbybabz]

is this just another way for CNN to cover something then diganose it to death and offer less. I am not interested in CNN doing anything. They are the one of the many who read everything in a content that no one meant. Then disect it to a point where the issue is so obsure its a lot a picasso painting, only its not that good in the end of the day.... I guess Fox could be worse... or do they just run up against the other...?

[LoveMaslow]

its a neat idea but the questions are right here for the campaigns to scope and prepare for

[LoveMaslow]

you're right it will be easy ball questions

[2taboo]

I'm afraid that the realy improtant questions will be left out.