How to Throw A Midterm Debate Party
Watch with friends, or host your own debate
I take politics seriously, but you can be serious without being grim. When I was on-air I always tried to relate information credibly without making things scarier than they were. Something about knowing that my audience included people who love me softened my approach, if only to make them worry about me less.
Softer approaches in hard times may seem crazy, but there’s a reason so many Americans have tuned out of the process, leaving the most extreme wings of the major parties to run everything. Candidate debates are hit and miss these days — Donald Trump’s antics sullied their reputation even further — but they still have their place. Perhaps more people should watch them together.
Why not throw a party?
In this video I explain how to do it, whether you’re watching a televised debate or debating the issues yourself using my game, The Resolution. And no, I’m not kidding! Mature, kind, thoughtful people need to get together and discuss things that matter, especially if they differ on how to handle our biggest challenges. Partisanship thrives on driving us apart. I can think of no better disruptor than bringing ourselves together… preferably over dessert. (BYOB, of course.)
Give it a try. Let me know in the comments how it goes or if you need advice on how to make it work.
Chapters
0:00 - The Decline of Public Debates
0:50 - Why Host a Debate Party?
1:40 - Overcoming the Three Big Objections (Fun, Partisanship & Scope)
4:10 - Planning the Gathering: Invitations, Refreshments & Music
5:38 - Why You Are the Icebreaker
6:30 - Structuring the Agenda & Setting Ground Rules
8:22 - Debating Each Other: How to Use “The Resolution”
9:30 - Channel Update: Transitioning Away from Substack
10:45 - De-Escalation Tactics: What to Do If Things Overheat
12:47 - Protecting Your Space & The Stakes of Midterm Democracy
14:10 - “Your Best Take” Keynote & Wrap-Up
Playlist Links
PRE-EVENT MUSIC (Apple Music | Spotify)
POST-EVENT MUSIC (Apple Music | Spotify)
10 Low-Stakes Debate Topics: "We resolve that..."
1. Movie theaters should ban the sale of popcorn.
2. Employers should eliminate annual performance reviews.
3. Restaurants should replace paper menus with digital QR codes.
4. Public transit agencies should eliminate all passenger fares.
5. Airlines should prohibit passengers from reclining their seats.
6. Social media platforms should hide users' follower counts.
7. Cities should ban grocery store self-checkout stations.
8. Households should ban smartphones at the dinner table.
9. Professional sports leagues should eliminate instant replay.
10. Hotels should make daily housekeeping optional.
