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Introduction to Policy Debate

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Many people will ask in the cross-examination what the “status” of the counterplan is.  In other words, is it conditional, dispositional, or will the 2NR be going for it.  Judges will expect you to answer this question.  Some things to consider when answering:

If you are, if you know you have no other choice, it makes sense to just say you are going for it. You will eliminate an important theory argument from the negative’s arsenal.  You will, of course, show your hand (make it obvious you are going for the counterplan in the 2NR), but depending on what other arguments you have in the debate.

If you are certain you are going to kick the counterplan, I strongly suggest reconsidering whether or not you really ought to run it.  There is generally little merit to advancing an argument in a debate that is a certain loser.  Advancing a counterplan that is theoretically questionable that you know is a lose makes even less sense.

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