Analysis of Moderation in the Second Trump-Clinton Presidential Debate
Is it fair that only Trump supporters were told to be quiet in the second presidential debate? This question has sparked discussions and debates, especially after analyzing the interactions during the debate. While the data from the transcript shows that Trump was aided more than Clinton in terms of interruptions and praise, a deeper look into the circumstances of each interruption and admonishment reveals a more nuanced picture of moderator behavior.
Counting the Interruptions and Praise
To understand the nuances, we start by examining the number of times the debate was interrupted by applause and the number of audience admonishments by the moderators. There were four instances of applause: two from each candidate. There were two audience admonishments, both directed at the audience following applause that followed Trump's comments.
Understanding the Context
The first instance of applause was directly related to a comment made by Trump: “And I will tell you that when Hillary brings up a point like that and she talks about words that I said eleven years ago I think its disgraceful. And I think she should be ashamed of herself if you want to know the truth.” When asked by the moderator Raddatz to hold the applause, it was clear that this was the first instance of applause interrupting the debate. The moderator's action can be seen as a cue to let Clinton take the subsequent turn to speak.
A second instance of applause occurred when Clinton made a statement that Trump interrupted with, "Because you'd be in jail." In response, the moderator Cooper interjected, asking the audience to stop applauding and interrupting the candidates. This was a strategic move to ensure the debate remained on track and each candidate had their time.
The Third Instance of Applause and its Context
The third instance of applause came soon after Trump’s interruption, where the moderator Cooper felt the need to address the aggression by instructing Trump to allow Clinton to respond. This moment highlights the moderator's role in maintaining a fair and respectful atmosphere during the debate. Clinton's response, according to the transcript, was firm and direct, “Because I was senator with a Republican president. Ill will be the president who will get it done.”
The Final Instance and Its Implications
The final instance of applause happened when Trump again interrupted Clinton. The moderator Cooper once again interjected, emphasizing the importance of allowing each candidate to respond fully. This action underscores the moderator's dedication to fairness and control of the debate flow, especially in the face of aggressive tactics.
Evaluating Fairness and Control
While it is true that the audience was only admonished after Trump's statements, the moderators' actions were designed to maintain a level playing field. The asymmetry in the number of interruptions and praises does not negate the moderators' efforts to control the debate and ensure both candidates had their time. The fact that Trump was given applause twice and admonished twice, whereas Clinton was given applause twice and did not receive any admonishments, suggests an attempt to balance the playing field.
The moderators appeared more concerned with controlling the debate and balancing the time for each candidate. Trump, clearly using more time than his equal share, required more interventions from the moderator. This context suggests that the moderators were making fair decisions, even if the data might initially suggest otherwise.
Conclusion and Reflection
While the situation may seem unfair to some, a deeper analysis of the circumstances reveals the complexity of the moderating process. The moderators were not simply reacting to applause but were actively working to maintain a fair and organized debate. This analysis highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of moderation in high-stakes public forums. The goal of the moderator is to ensure a balanced and respectful exchange of ideas, not to silence certain voices more than others.