Vice Presidential debate

October 5, 2000
Web posted at: 6:53 PM EDT (2253 GMT)

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1. Who is Joseph Lieberman? Who is Richard Cheney? Do you think a vice presidential debate is necessary? Explain your answer. What are some similarities between a vice presidential debate and a presidential debate?

2. In September 1998, Lieberman was very critical of President Clinton. Why is it important that he acknowledges that this criticism was personal? Do you think this will affect the way that Democratic supporters think of him?

3. The article states that vice presidential candidates do not have to worry about looking "presidential" and staying above the fray. They are expected to go on the attack and to defend their bosses and are viewed as surrogates, not contenders. What does this mean? Do you think that their physical appearance does influence viewers? What about their socioeconomic status or the image of their character?

4. Divide the class into two groups. Assign one group to represent the Democratic Party and assign the other group to represent the Republican Party. Select one student from each group to be the vice presidential candidate that will debate the issues. Have each group research their assigned party and its views. Give each group 20 minutes to prepare for the debate. Have the students who are going to represent the candidates stand at the front of the class. Allow other students to ask questions of the vice presidential representatives.