TOW #18: We Need Better Presidential Debates

 

          Written by Robert Donovan and John Rosenkranz for the Wall Street Journal, this article takes a direct stance on the current format of the presidential debates. The authors do this by first identifying and exploring the cons surrounding the style of debate used now. This includes not only personal opinions on the matter, but also numerous data points to explore regarding the topic. This, in fact, is where the true strength of their argument lies -- in the facts. The authors of this article are meticulous with the examples they provide to support their case. They argue that the current method of debating -- which they describe as being nothing more than a "ploy" to ask catch the presidential hopefuls off guard -- is ineffective at its job andpresnts an ill representation of their true ideals. Instead they suggest hosting these debates in an Oxford debating style. This style is unique from the present method in that is more structured and formulaic.  Oxford Style debates follow a formal structure which begins with audience members casting a pre-debate vote on the motion that is either for, against or undecided. Each panelist presents a seven-minute opening statement, after which the moderator takes questions from the audience with inter-panel challenges. Finally, each panelist delivers a two-minute closing argument, and the audience delivers their second (and final) vote for comparison against the first.

          The evidence provided from these two co-authors is quite impressive. To prove their argument, they provide many examples of their point -- a strong appeal to logos. This brings a lot strength to their argument. By including references to numerous debates that have followed the same debate structure and how they too would work for the presidential debates.

TOW #17: Canadian Journalist Ad

       Juniper Park is a global advertising agency which has worked with numerous companies throughout its 50 year run. Over these years it has become known very famously for its clever use of symbolism in its ads to successfully display its message to the public. In August of 2012, Juniper Park's published it most recent series of ads for the NGO Canadian Journalists for Free Expression. The NGO is a strong petition group which protests the Canadian acts for restriction of journalists. This particular ad by the company depicts these very journalism tools (cameras, recorders, etc) as weapons, with the phrase "information is ammunition" written toward the bottom. This simple ad is extremely powerful in its use of creative juxtaposition of camera material and a high power gun. By comparing these two things, the ad is able to lead viewers into the conclusion of similar abilities. In showing that a camera can be just as powerful as a gun, it follows the theme of the well-known adage, "the pen is mightier than the sword".
         The ad also is very smart in utilizing very dull color tones. This, although being the opposite of eye catching, actually gives the advertisement a greater sense of urgency. Truly the success of the advertisement comes from its ability to illustrate a correlation between journalism and warfare -- against the same enemy. To many, the use of firearms is the only way to counteract evil in this world. However, this ad suggests that this is not necessarily so, instead providing the idea that journalism can be just as powerful in ending countering such things. Given the intent of the ad and the simplicity of its message, the audience for such an ad is the general public. With this message, the ad hopes to bring forth a call to action from viewers, in hopes of getting them to also protest the acts about journalism restriction.