Political debates have long been a vital component of the American election process, allowing candidates to express their views and position on issues in front of the public. In a recent poll conducted by the Pew Research Center, 63 percent of prospective voters reported that the debates were helpful in their decision making.
But what is it about these events that make them so effective? The answer lies in their structure. Public debates are structured to allow the participants to occupy positions of varying legitimacy, mimicking the public’s perspective through different publicly accessible viewpoints. In addition, debates feature an audience, a moderator, and a time limit to ensure that each candidate has an opportunity to present their stance without being interrupted.
These factors, along with the fact that debates can be televised and watched by the entire nation, have made them one of the most influential tools in American politics. In fact, it was the first presidential debate in 1960 that arguably changed the course of history. That first face-off between Richard Nixon and John Kennedy was memorable for its acrimony, but also for the small boost that it gave Kennedy in the final election results.
Despite their importance, debates are often misunderstood. For example, some people believe that if a candidate refuses to participate in a debate, they may be hiding something or are not capable of responding to the issues facing the nation. This is not the case, as a candidate’s refusal to participate in a debate does not necessarily imply their lack of competence or a desire to communicate with citizens.
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