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Friday Poll: Which Debate Format Do You Prefer: Standing at Lectern or Seated at Table?

We’ve had two debates this fall, in the presidential race, of different formats: a presidential race debate with the candidates standing at a lecterns, and a vice-presidential debate last night with the candidates seated at a table. This difference in the style of the presidential and vice-presidential debates has been followed since 2000.

Correction, 5:29 PM: the vice presidential candidates in 2008 stood while debating, but in 2000 and 2004 were seated at a table.

Which format, if either, do you prefer?

I like the candidates seated at a table – it’s less formal, but I think it also makes for a more interesting discussion and clash of views.

What do you think?


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The Phantom Stranger
12 years ago

Seated at a table seems more conversational; less stiff.

Ayn Rand
12 years ago

Sitting at a table is more like a discussion.
It seems more like a quiz show when they’re both standing up, behind a podium.

Anonymous
12 years ago

fun either way