You’ll find mention of the “fact” that Ted Cruz was a championship debater in post-debate analyses, talk shows and political commentaries. But let’s examine the fact a little more closely.

True, Cruz debated while at Princeton. It’s also true he and his partner won some championships. But here’s the key point that’s often overlooked or misunderstood—Cruz competed in the American Parliamentary Debate Association, not the older and much more rigorous National Debate Tournament. In terms of substance, it’s like comparing a powder puff football league to the NFL. That’s not meant to demean APDA in any way, they are different styles of debate.

APDA emphasizes wit and style over NDT’s focus on evidence and reasoning. You can read about the history of these two associations and look at a more in-depth analysis (be sure to read the comments section.) To those who understand the differences between these these two approaches to debate, it explains much about Cruz’s debating style including his refusal to answer direct questions, his characterization of the moderators as biased and his assertion that the American people don’t trust the media [3rd Republican debate]. To those who don’t understand the differences, they are ill served each time one member of the punditocracy reminds another that Cruz WAS a championship debater you know!

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore