Communication and Debate in a Public Environment: An Analysis of Obama–McCain Presidential Debates

This paper focuses on political communication as information source in decision making. The biggest exponent of information can be found in presidential debates in which strategies for future governmental decision are located. Models of communication and debate in a public environment are presented, focusing on the types of communication associated with criticism and countercriticism manifested in political debates and public management. The paper proposes: (i) a normative model showing how communication can be conducted, including a criticism development process and alternative strategies; (ii) a model of organizational excellence and rational criticism in public management; and (iii) an analysis of three Obama–McCain presidential debates. The causes of the economic crisis and solution strategies were found. This research provides value information for prospective in actual uncertain situations