[Yo-Yo]

the three major candidates took to the LSU Manship School of Journalism podiums (or is it podia?)

Actually, it would be lecturns. A podium is the raised platform that a candidate stands on, and a lecturn is slanted stand that a candidate stands at.

[tired&retired]

Per Merriam Webster:

po·di·um noun
: a raised platform for a speaker, performer, or the leader of an orchestra

OR

: a stand with a slanted surface that holds a book, notes, etc., for someone who is reading, speaking, or teaching