Question

Read the two excerpts described below (both of which appear near the end of the transcript). As you read, think about the candidates’ views regarding America’s responsibilities, and consider the tone and structure of this section of the debate: Is it collaborative or competitive?

Answer 1

Excerpt 1 begins with (moderator) Phil Elliott's question, "How will all the recent economic stress affect our nation's ability to act as a peacemaker in the world?"
Excerpt 2 begins with (moderator) Tom Brokaw's comment and eventual question of, "…let's see if we can establish tonight the Obama doctrine and the McCain doctrine for use of United States combat forces in situations where there's a humanitarian crisis, but it does not affect our national security…What is the Obama doctrine for use of force that the United States would send when we don't have national security issues at stake?"

Answer 2

Take notes as you examine each speech. As you take notes, summarize each speaker's points and highlight each of their main ideas. Write down any points you wish had been clarified better or elaborated more thoroughly. After you do this, take note of statements made by each candidate that you would like to verify. Perform research online or at your library to verify claims made by each candidate. Did either candidate misrepresent information? Did either candidate present false reasoning or false cause-and-effect relationships based on certain information? When answering questions, did both candidates give enough information to support an answer that was relevant to the issue? Did any trails of reasoning presented by either candidate just not make sense?