Discussion Questions
1. What issues are being raised by the candidate(s)? Are there any one or two issues that are most dominant?
2. What stands are the candidates taking? What policy proposals are being offered in conjunction with the positions on issues? Does the candidate's position reflect that of his or her party? Why or why not?
3. Is the candidate defining his or her own stance in relation to an opponent or an opponent's party?
4. Are there any issues, currently a part of the public policy debate, that the candidates are not addressing?
5. Was the event you viewed an effective way to obtain information about the candidates' positions on issues?
6. What are the purposes of events held by political parties in an election year?
Extended Exercise
Do candidates simply say what they believe, or might they employ a strategy with regards to issues? Identify at least three ways a candidate is using issues to appeal to the voters. Has the candidate appealed to your beliefs? Will the candidate win based on the issues? Evaluate the effectiveness of the candidate's appeal on issues.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Watch (1/04/2004)