Debate Watch Parties

The YWCA USA is proud to be a national sponsor of the 2008 presidential debates!

Knowing where candidates stand on issues is an important part of the voting process. That is why watching the presidential candidates’ debate and discuss key issues affecting the lives of women and people of color is one of the most important activities voters can engage in during this presidential election season.

This year there will be three presidential and one vice presidential debate. The dates for the debate are:

•	First presidential debate: Friday, September 26 University of Mississippi Oxford, MS		•	Second presidential debate: Tuesday, October 7 Belmont University Nashville, TN
•	Vice presidential debate: Thursday, October 2 WashingtonUniversity St. Louis, MO		•	Third presidential debate: Wednesday, October 15 Hofstra University Hempstead, NY

Whether you are holding the debate watch party at a local YWCA or your own house, here are some simple tips you can follow for having a great evening!

Set Up for The Event:

- A day before the event, send out a reminder to attendees. Ask attendees to arrive 20-30 minutes before the debate.

- If you are planning to have a discussion after the event, choose an individual to lead the discussion.

- Provide pens and paper for attendees to take notes during the debate so participants can take notes about issues of concern to them or of issues they may want to discuss after the speech.

- Provide information on YWCA issues to participants so they can learn more about the issues. (comprehensive issue guide-coming soon)

Issues to listen for during the Debates

Racial Justice
Affirmative Action
Hate Crimes
Immigration
Violence Against Women
Minimum Wage
Social Security
Equal Pay
Federal Budget/ Investments
Taxes
Health Care
Child Care and Early Education

Issues for Discussion

After the debate let participants take a short break and then reconvene for a discussion on the debate. Have the moderator open the discussion by setting ground rules for the discussion including: respect for all opinions; no interrupting others while a participant is speaking; no talking while a participant is speaking; and limit remarks to a reasonable timeframe. During the discussion allow all participants an opportunity to speak and respond to questions.

Questions for discussion include, but are not limited to:

• What did you learn about the candidates and their agendas that you did not know prior to the debate?

• What did you hear from them that you agreed with, disagreed with and appreciated?

• What issues were mentioned during the debates that affect women, girls and people of color?

• What did the candidates say about them?

• Do you agree or disagree with their remarks? Why?

• Of the issues discussed by the candidates, what issues are of most importance to you and your family? To your community?

• What issues were not mentioned during the debates, but you wish were mentioned? Why?

• What issues do you think the next President and the 111^th Congress should address next year?

When the discussion begins to wind down, give everyone a chance to make a last minute comment and then wrap up the party. Encourage all attendees to read the newspapers, listen to the radio or watch TV on days after the debates to see how the media covers the candidates speeches and to learn what issues get the most attention media attention.

More Information? www.debates.org

Read the YWCA Press Release

GET RESULTS!

All Issues