Election Debates

Yesterday was a day for televised election debates in New Zealand and the United States. Unfortunately, these debates do not prove much.

All political junkies love to argue, so every experienced politician knows how to argue and debate. They are skilled in picking the holes in an argument and demolishing it. They know how to put down an opponent who exposes weakness. Unfortunately, the ability to debate and argue is not a good indicator of leadership skills.

• A political debate tells us nothing about the leadership skills of a candidate. Ability to win arguments does not mean a person has the ability to build and lead a strong team.

• A debate tells us very little about the character of a candidate. A little bit might sneak out, but if they have been well-trained, they will show what they believe people want to see and hide their flaws.

• A debate tells us very about the character of a candidate. A little bit might sneak out, but if they have been well-trained, they will show what they believe people want to see and hide their flaws.

• Skills in winning an argument tell us nothing about the ability of a candidate to negotiate with a leader of another nation who does not like them or trust them.

• A debate does reveal whether a candidate is honest or devious. It will not show whether they are arrogant or humble.

• Winning a televised debate does not mean that a candidate has the wisdom to deal with unexpected problems effectively.

Televised election debates are persuasive because they seem to be real, but they actually tell us very little about the skills and character that a good leader needs.

People who are relying on a televised political debate to help them choose which candidate they will support are probably missing most of the things that are really important.