Top Valley teen debater talks up presidential debates

PHOENIX — One of the Valley’s top high school debaters will be glued to his TV one week from Wednesday when President Barack Obama and his Republican rival, Mitt Romney, square off in Denver for the first of three debates.

Central High School senior Octavio Edgington knows that he is not in Obama’s or Romney’s league when it comes to debating, but he offered both men a piece of advice.

“Be themselves. They don’t want to put a false face on themselves and say stuff they really don’t support as people. Sometimes the way they appear may be exaggerated.”

Edgington knows what he’s talking about — he was awarded a degree of Distinction from the National Forensic League Speech and Debate Honor Society at the state tournament this past spring.

He’ll watch next week’s debate with an open mind, but knows exactly what he’ll be looking for in the candiates. He believes most Americans will be looking for the same thing.

“I look for someone who connects with an audience,” he said. “Someone who can come across as one of you. If they can’t show confidence and can’t connect, I won’t support that person.”

Edgington said stage presence and words are one thing, but the choice of clothing sends a message too.

“I’d go black suit and red tie. It shows a sense of power and control.”

Critics have taken swipes at both candidates for what they believe is a lack of emotion. In Obama’s case, critics say he’s too cool.

In Romney’s case, critics say he can’t connect with the average American. Edgington said it would probably benefit both men to show emotion in the debate.

“It’s a good idea because you don’t want to come across as a robot person,” he said. “You want to connect with people and that’s how you do it: through emotions.”

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