Paul's Guide to Being an Effective Politician, Part I

Hello, readers, and welcome to the first entry into Paul's Guide to Being an Effective Politician. In these writings, I take what I've learned in my experiences in political campaigns and display it for all to see, like a flasher of intelligence. Except I have a weblog, and not a trenchcoat. So, here we go.

Part I: Debating
The art of debate is millenia old, and the career of many a politician has been made on the answering of questions posed by the electorate. Of course, over the years, it has degraded into a series of softballs responded to by using soundbytes. So, here is a list of recommendations for any wannabe candidate entering a debate. Following these should help establish you as a no-nonsense, effective, and intelligent official.

*Stop thanking the debate locale - We get it, you're glad to be there. You don't have to tell us for a minute how wonderful some campus is, or how lovely some town is, or even that it's great that the audience is there. You're wasting valuble answer time. The campus sucks, the jerkwater town is just that, and the audience is there either because they get class credit, or it's a Tuesday night and nothing is on TV (or they hope they'll get on TV/some are actually interested). Save your thanks for the end.

*Use clear-cut facts as much as possible - Not enough politicians use these. If you're talking about gun control, you should mention that x% of all deaths in Y city are caused by guns. Then, you should cite where that data comes from. As a side note, that data should come from a reputable source, like the FBI or that city's police department, and if the data is printed, where someone can find it (when other people can read the same thing, they tend to believe you). Also, keep the facts as simple as possible. Your opponent can't argue with a percentage, and if he tries, then ask him if he's calling the Police Department a bunch of liars. Which leads to the next point...

*Don't be afraid to call out your opponent - Know as many facts as possible about whatever might be covered in your debate. Politicians will sometimes say really stupid things, things that can't possibly be true. When that happens, call shenanigans (when it's your turn to speak). Rebut their error by using point 2. Make your opponent look like an idiot! And be blunt about it. Don't say "I respectfully disagree..." or "I believe..." Just come out and say it: "You're wrong, Bill. Here's the fact..." or if your opponent flat-out lied, say "That's a lie, Bill." Again, refer to point 2. Real-life example (names changed to protect the innocent/not-so-innocent):

During a television interview between two candidates for a city office (let's call them Bill and Ted), the question of partisanship was raised. Bill claimed his party identification and the endorsements he sought. Ted claimed he was running a nonpartisan campaign and had not sought any endorsement. This, in fact, was a lie. Ted actively sought, and did not receive, the endorsement of a certain political party. Bill should have jumped on this "error" at the earliest possible opportunity.

*Stop being scared of the constituent - Constituents sometimes ask stupid questions. Whatever you do, don't dismiss the question. Answer the question as bluntly as you can. If the constituent attacks you for a decision you made or a policy you stand for, defend yourself and do not apologize. Often, the constituent doesn't have a remote clue about what they're talking about. Remind the constituent of their own obligations to society, how government can't do everything. Parents have to parent, teachers have to teach. Don't hesitate to correct the constituent if they're wrong. Even if they don't agree with you, they'll be glad you answered them truthfully.

If you follow these simple points, I guarantee that you will win a debate, and probably gain the respect of many voters. Stay tuned for more of Paul's Guide to Being an Effective Politician!