Historically, political debate has played an important role in shaping public opinion and influencing electoral outcomes. However, not all debate formats are equally effective. For example, rapid-fire question formats may favor candidates who are able to respond quickly and effectively while town hall formatted debates may emphasize the ability of candidates to connect with voters. Moreover, the presence of an in-person audience can affect the tone of debates by magnifying moments of audience reaction such as cheering or laughing.
The debates are generally hosted by television journalists who serve as moderators and, in some cases, as questioners. This approach can lead to the perception that debates are essentially news events that advance the agenda of the networks rather than serving as a forum for discussion and comparison of candidates’ positions on issues.
Furthermore, the selection of debate moderators — who are often current or former anchors of major network news programs — limits the pool of potential moderators and can create a situation in which candidates spend time preparing to address the interests and beliefs of the moderator instead of their opponents. This can be particularly harmful in a time when voters have more choices and fewer information sources than ever before.
The League of Women Voters (LWV) ran debates for presidential campaigns from 1975 to 1988 and was ardent in affording equal time to all candidates, regardless of their popularity. After LWV disbanded, the Commission on Presidential Debates took over and has maintained a similar stance toward providing all candidates with the opportunity to be heard.