commlunch:

The New York Times’ Room For Debate feature could very well have consulted NWU for an opinion on this week’s question — after all, the Department of Communication Studies is filled with experts.

On Wednesday night at the CNBC GOP Presidential Primary Debate, Rick Perry stole the spotlight for a particularly painful gaffe. Perry visibly struggled (and ultimately failed) to remember the final agency in his list of three government programs he would cut. Admitting this, he spoke the now infamous “Oops.”

Pundits add this episode to evidence that debating is not Perry’s particular strength.

The NYT asks, does it matter? And I think our Communication Scholars can add a valuable perspective to this conversation. So as you drink your morning coffee and pack your lunch, think about how you might respond.

“Do Good Debaters Make Good Presidents?”