Breaking Down Barriers: Ask Jim about Debate Return to the BDB List of Questions

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Independent Voters--How do you beat them?

Independent voters are arguments that, alone, can win a team a debate. For example, a negative team might argue that their solvency argument is an independent voter because the affirmative has no advantage. Opponents can and should respond:

1. THE ARGUMENT IS NOT AN INDEPENDENT VOTER

Explain why:

--They gave no reason the issue is an independent voter.

--The argument is not an absolute takeout—it only shows . . .

2. THERE ARE STILL REASONS TO VOTE FOR US.

Explain those reasons.

Jim

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