Political debate is a key part of election campaigns. Candidates must craft a compelling story, explain their positions on the issues and deliver well-rehearsed one-liners that are meant to connect with voters. But, even the best-prepared campaigns can stumble in their attempt to captivate voters. A misstep in a televised debate can be costly, both to the candidate and to the campaign.
The tradition of incorporating debate into political campaigns dates back to the 19th century, when Senator Stephen A. Douglas and Republican Abraham Lincoln debated each other in a series of seven public sessions, HowStuffWorks reports. The debates, published as a book in 1858, were vital campaign tools for both sides.
Since then, presidential debates have become a hallmark of American politics. The format for debates is determined by the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD), which ensures a fair and equal opportunity to discuss major national and international issues, according to its nonpartisan debate criteria. Candidates must meet a number of requirements, including a statistically feasible chance of winning enough Electoral College votes to win the presidency.
Traditionally, a moderator—usually a TV journalist—prepares questions for the candidates and manages their response times. But, debates can also take the form of a panelist format, where each candidate is asked questions by a group of journalists, or the town hall meeting format, in which citizens ask the candidates questions. A debate’s format can affect its tone and style. For example, a rapid-fire question format can showcase the candidates’ quick thinking, while a more relaxed town hall format can foster a sense of connection between the candidates and voters.