The figurate idea of a table and having an American family sit around it to talk is said to be a helpful aid to resolve problems the family may have. This same effect was put into play on October 11, 2011 when the eight Republican candidates for president met at Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H. This debate was different from the previous because the candidates now conversed in a more civil manner then ever seen before. Yes, they still grilled each other on certain topics but this time in a much more calm matter. Gathered around the table the candidates answered questions asked by Karen Tumulty from The Washington Post and Julianna Goldman of Bloomberg News. Candidates like Rick Perry, Mitt Romney, and Herman Cain participated in discussions, but even for some that didn’t as much they were not forced to stand by themselves as seen before. Another difference to this debate was the audience and the fact that there was no uproar. There was clearly a less distracting feeling during this debate, and the credit goes to the setup of the event. Putting all of the candidates together on a common ground with each other, which made it easier to see each other eye to eye and relate.
The Republican candidate debate held on Tuesday October 11, 2011 displayed a new and engaging way for the politicians to take route in the upcoming 2012 Presidential Election. The “table effect” proved to have worked for the candidates in a way for them to get their ideals and thoughts across in an organized manner. This controlled discussion gave individuals the chance to talk about personal ideas such as Rick Perry’s Texas theme; making it clear that everything would be okay if the energy industry would be left alone to generate jobs. Herman Cain also got a chance to talk about his 9-9-9 tax repair which ended up with negative feedback, and Mitt Romney was once more prepared for the verbal attacks he knew he would face. The point for this debate was not test out a new strategy to organize how debates should be carried out, but to give the Republican candidates the opportunity to talk and gain supporters throughout America for the upcoming Presidential election. As politicians, all these candidates want is the chance to share what they have and hope for their ideals to be carried out and put into play. It’s all part of the game and the table effect is just giving them more of a chance to make their dream happen.
Article: http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2011/10/11/141255891/coming-to-the-table-why-the-candidates-are-easier-to-take-sitting-dow
