Rules in debate [FN1] vary [FN2], but the “basics” are consistent & essential.
1 Each debater [FN3] speaks w/o interruption. Violation can mean disqualification. In basketball [FN4], when a team scores, its opponent gets to (try to) in-bound. 1/8

2 There are specific time limits. Everyone has the same amount of time available. [FN5]
3 Arguments are supported by evidence. We had 4" x 6" index cards for quotes, stats, definitions or whatever was relevant for a topic. [FN6] 2/8

In recent exchanges on the internet, someone will state a “fact.” I reply & note source to support what I say. The other person responds w/another assertion w/o cites to any authorities. The intellectual lassitude of the right wing fatigues me. Going forward ... 3/8

if someone tries to argue a point, and:
a) fails to cite authority, I’ll reply: “waived.”
B) strings several links w/o indication the person read the items, I’ll reply: “waived.”
Principles of formal debate aim to advance civil discourse. [FN7] 4/8

trump’s talking over & verbally abusing opponents when he showed up in 2020 is not debate. Biographies of an Austrian corporal give no indication he debated any opponents. There is a difference: the former corporal served in the military. 5/8

Footnotes: FN1. See, Freeley, “Argumentation and Debate,” 1990 ed, pp 1-12; also National Debate Tournament dot org. FN2. I was on debate teams in high school (Western HS, Russiaville IN) and college (DePauw University); I coached IUPUI’s debate team (1990-94). 6/8

Footnotes: FN3. In the 1960s through the 1990s teams usually consisted of two persons. FN4. A dreaded “sports analogy” is an efficient way for some people to understand. FN5. What use one makes of that time is a different matter. 7/8

Footnotes: FN6. Sr year of high school & first 2 years at DePauw, my color-coded index cards fitted in two small suitcases. FN7. See, Delaney, “For the Sake of Argument,” Harvard Kennedy School, 2019. 8/8