Primary Runoff Formats and Questions

In a primary election, candidates will try to prove their party bona fides. They will be trying to gather their first endorsements and proving to party loyalists that they are the true believers to lead the party.

There will often be more than two candidates making asking questions a long and slow process in public settings.

Formats

Forums

Forums are great for races with more than two candidates. Usually, a moderator will ask a question and allow each participant to answer.

Panels

Panels are another style of question and answer format great for multiple candidates. In this style, the moderator directs questions to random candidates. All candidates may not answer all questions.

Debates

Debates ask candidates to think on their feet. In this format, usually reserved for two candidate scenarios, each participant is allowed to speak about topics, ask each other questions, and make rebuttles to arguments.

Symposiums

As in academic settings, symposiums ask candidates to present on a prepared topic. Topics should be given to candidates ahead of time so they can present factual information.

Sample Questions

For U.S. congressional candidates

 

  • How do we provide the best health care to the most people in the most efficient way?
  • How do we educate the most people with the resources available?
  • What does a fair immigration policy look like?
  • How do we balance safety-based policies with freedom-based policies?
  • How do we know when we have too much regulation or too little regulation?
  • How do we know when we are paying too much in taxes or not enough?
  • How important is the role of political parties in the political process?
  • Does the United States need affirmative action laws?
  • Which is more important… American jobs or Free trade?
  • What does the 2nd Amendment say and What should gun policy look like?
  • What should the role of money be in politics?
  • What should be the role of the private sector in roles traditionally reserved for government?
  • Which makes for a better politician… a realist or an idealist?
  • Is compromise important or is it an outdated notion in politics?
  • What is good journalism?
  • What should be the role of political action committees (PACs), lobbyists, and other organized groups in the political process?
  • Who is more important… One donor or one voter?
  • Is The United States of America great?
  • What should be the role of religion in politics?
  • Hypocrisy and lying, part of the game of politics to be praised when your side wins, or something to be shunned at all costs always?
  • What is the role of law enforcement?

 

Sample Debate Format

For each question, the following format is advised: (9 minutes total per question)

Moderator (1 min): Question 1

Speaker A (2 min): Opening statement on the topic

Speaker B (2 min): Opening statement on the topic

Speaker A (30 sec): Cross-examination of Speaker B

Speaker A (1 min): Rebuttal statement on the topic

Speaker B (30 sec): Cross-examination of Speaker A

Speaker B (1 min): Rebuttal statement on the topic

Speaker A (30 sec): Closing statement on topic

Speaker B (30 sec): Closing statement on topic

 

Moderator (1 min): Question 2

Speaker B (2 min): Opening statement on the topic

Speaker A (2 min): Opening statement on the topic

Speaker B (30 sec): Cross-examination of Speaker A

Speaker B (1 min): Rebuttal statement on the topic

Speaker A (30 sec): Cross-examination of Speaker B

Speaker A (1 min): Rebuttal statement on the topic

Speaker B (30 sec): Closing statement on topic

Speaker A (30 sec): Closing statement on topic

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