Kochman,+Gordon

New Trier 2009-2013 Whitman College 2013-2017 Email: gordon.kochman@gmail.com Pronounced Coach-Man

Tl;dr: I know it’s cliché, but debate the way you debate best. A judge shouldn’t be influencing the strategic decisions of the debaters.

I debated for four years at New Trier Township High School just north of Chicago, and then I debated at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington for the two years the team existed while I was enrolled. Ask about what happened if you want to know.


 * K and Performance**: Since I mostly debated policy arguments, I am more familiar with them. However, that does not mean I **//want//**to vote for those arguments in all cases. I’m awfully familiar with consultation CPs, but I have a **//huge//** desire not to vote on them. If this is what you do, you should run it. My time as a debater has elapsed, but yours hasn’t, so you should be the ones doing the debating, not me.


 * Theory**: Having been both a 2A and a 2N I have an inclination to protect the 2NR, but that doesn’t mean I’m unwilling to vote aff on theory.


 * T (vs. policy)**: Competing interpretations is default. I would go for T frequently. It’s a no-risk option for the neg.


 * CPs**: The best strategies have specific CPs and DAs. Please don’t subject me to a consult CP. Please.


 * DAs**: Nothing new here. I read politics frequently, if that means anything.


 * Tech over truth**: Debates that are decided by judges always involve some inevitable aspect of judge intervention. However much I dislike it, a dropped argument is a true argument. I attempt to keep this to a minimum. Also, I try to avoid reading evidence. You should be the ones doing that work for me.


 * Debate is a game, but…**: Debate is a wonderful activity that I have thoroughly enjoyed. I consider my role as a judge to be someone who ensures, to the best of my abilities, the continuation of this activity in a way that other people can enjoy it the same way that I have. This means that even though debate is a competitive activity, we **//cannot//** allow our worst instincts guide our actions. Things can get heated, but in general, you should strive to be an exemplary member of this community in your conduct.