DEBATE DO'S AND DON'TS

Success in a high profile political debate in the second decade of the 21st Century has some special do's and don'ts. Read and learn.

) Don't appear professorial or as if you are actually thinking about what you're saying; aggressive, rapid fire recitation of facts, alleged facts, and just plain gibberish is the way to go.

) Don't think being gentlemanly will gain you any points.

) Do view the encounter as a blood-sport contest straight out of "Hunger Games."

) Don't underestimate the gullibility of the electorate's lowest common denominator.

) Do frequently and enthusiastically repeat non-facts and gibberish and cite non-existent studies because the more often you say something, the closer it gets to being true.

) Don't answer the question asked as this will identify you as not in control; establish your authority and independence by effortlessly segueing to your talking points.

) Do plaster a maniacal, somewhat frightening, grin-grimace on your face when your opponent is talking.

) Don't not look at your opponent when he/she is talking as avoidance of aggressive staring is considered by the punditry a sign of weakness.

) Do have a hoard of combative in-your-face flunkies who immediately after the event will magnify your performance beyond any reasonable recognition.

) Don't be a Democrat as your supposed supporters in the punditry will, at the first sign of reasonableness and courtesy on your part, drop you like a hot potato.

) Do be a Republican so you can be less squeamish about distorting the facts and your own past positions and performance.

) Don't be the moderator as you will likely catch as least as much flak as the loosing debater.