Candidate debates have a long history in American politics at every level of government.  Watching debates is an important way for voters to learn more about the candidates and the issues before the election, so that they can cast an informed vote. 

Here are some questions to keep in mind for debate watching:

• Does the format give each candidate an equal opportunity to speak and respond to questions?
• Are the questions clear, fair and equally tough on all candidates?
• Do the questions cover the issues that are important to you?
• Is the moderator in control of the debate? Does the moderator need to say less and let the candidates say more?
• Do the candidates answer questions directly, or do they evade them or fail to answer the specific question?
• Do they talk about their own policies and positions, or do they mostly attack their opponents?

The Brookline League of Women Voters and our Brookline colleges, Newbury and Pine Manor, have planned community discussions and presidential debate watches.  We invite the community to attend, watch the debate on a large screen, and participate in a moderated discussion. 

Join us at Pine Manor College on Tuesday, October 16, 8:30 -11:00 PM, 400 Heath Street, Chestnut Hill, in the Rosemary Ashby Campus Center.  The moderator will be Dr. William B. Vogele, Dean of the College and Professor of Political Science and Chair, Division of Natural and Social Sciences.

Join us at Newbury College Monday, October 22, from 8:30 - 11:00 PM, in the Campus Center, 129 Fisher Avenue, Brookline, parking available in Lot A or Lot B.  The discussion moderators will be Ebony Brinson, Financial Aid Counselor; Deborah Mael, Program Director for English and the Humanities; and Kurt Ward, Program Director for Criminal Justice and Legal Studies.

There will be refreshments at both events.  Watch the debate with students, faculty, and others in the community.  For more information, email the League at league@lwvbrookline.org.

Editor's Note: This blog post originally appeared on Brookline Patch, and also appears on Acton, Bedford, Belmont, Burlington, Concord, Needham, Newton, Sudbury, Waltham, Watertown, Wayland, Woburn,Wellesley, and Weston Patch Sites.