Not too fast! Before your candidate steps foot on the debate stage, there’s a lot of work that goes into preparing that you may or may not see – from negotiating with the hosts of the debate, to prepping the candidates for the big night and making sure you are well-equipped to spread your candidate’s message effectively throughout the night – there’s a lot! But, let’s break it down.
For the average voter, you are probably tired of seeing political advertising in your mailbox, on your television, and in your inbox, but you’re also probably receiving important notifications for upcoming debates between candidates running to represent you in Congress whether it’s the House or the Senate. Here’s the thing: as annoying as political advertising can be, debates are an opportunity for you to hear from the candidates on the issues.
So, how do they come about?
To start, a candidate has to be invited to participate in a debate and someone has to host the debate. In politics, that can include a television outlet, radio station, or a school, university, or other organization to host a debate. These invitations are formal and detail what the debate will look like from beginning to end, who the moderators will be, how much time the candidates will have to answer questions, and whether candidates will have the opportunity to deliver opening statements or closing remarks. Upon reviewing the invitation, candidates and their teams have the opportunity to negotiate any other demands they may have.
Let’s pretend both parties have accepted the invitation. However, sometimes, they might face an empty chair – it happens. Either way, now it’s time for the real work to begin – getting the candidates prepared. The candidates shouldn’t treat the debate as just an interview. They need to know their opponent and opposition research is key here. They need to determine what they want the headlines to look like and have one liners prepared for memorable moments. And they need to practice – no matter how big or small an interview is, whether it’s a five to ten minute long interview with a small town paper or a debate in front of thousands of people, candidates must practice answering questions on the top issues impacting the voters locally and nationally.
Before go time – candidates usually have an opportunity to do a walk through of the event space where they check the lighting and the podium. It’s important to find out where the candidate will be stationed before they take the stage and where staff can set up a work space. Campaign teams should also find out whether there’s a “spin room” or designated space for members of the press to speak with the candidates, members of the campaign team, or a surrogate following the debate, and whether the candidate plans to do the “spin room” following the debate.
As all the final touches fall into place, campaign teams should ensure they have a game plan to get the candidate’s message out to as many voters as they can. While the candidate is on stage, the campaign should be prepared to clip videos, draft and post social content, and refute comments from the candidate’s opponent. It’s an all hands on deck effort, but every last touch goes a long way to ensure the candidate shines on stage and has memorable moments that make the headlines in the days that follow. A positive debate can change a campaign and a negative one can destroy your campaign.
-Brittany Yanick, Communications Director