‘We’re not looking for quiz show hosts’: Emory debate director on effectiveness of candidate performance, moderators

October 17th, 2022

(L) Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA), (R) Herschel Walker

On this edition of “Closer Look,” Emory University professor and director of debate Edward Lee III shares takeaways from Friday’s U.S. Senate debate held in Savannah.

Incumbent Democrat Rev. Raphael Warnock and Republican candidate Herschel Walker faced off in what’s expected to be the only debate featuring the two frontrunning candidates ahead of the Nov. 8 election. Walker declined another debate held Sunday, leaving an empty podium in his place alongside Walker and Libertarian candidate Chase Oliver.

In his interview, Lee discussed the performances of each candidate, how debates can influence undecided voters, and what changes he would make for moderators to lead a more effective forum.

“We’re not looking for quiz show hosts,” Lee said. “We’re looking for people who are going to make a reasoned assessment about the challenges that are going on in the state of Georgia, and what are the policies that they are going to support and advocate for.”