From Prep to the Podium: Behind the Scenes of the Presidential Debates

Description

Associated Program:
John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum
Speakers:
Tad Devine
Mark McKinnon
Brett O'Donnell
Carole Simpson

This Forum provided a behind the scenes look at U.S. presidential debates, alongside predictions for the first presidential debate between President Obama and Governor Romney. Tad Devine, Democratic Political and Media Strategist, spoke of his approach to candidate debate prepping. Carole Simpson, former Anchor of World News Tonight, spoke of the challenges she faced and triumphs she achieved as the first woman and African-American U.S. Presidential debate moderator in 1992. Mark McKinnon, co-founder of No Labels and President of Maverick Media, discussed his experience advising George W. Bush as his Chief Media Advisor during the 2000 and 2004 elections. Finally, Brett O’Donnell, President of O'Donnell and Associates, Ltd, and Chief Strategist of the Bachmann for President Campaign, related anecdotes on his past experiences coaching in the 1988 vice-presidential race. This engaging discussion was moderated by Trey Grayson, Director of the Institute of Politics.