Whether it’s political campaign debate or the heated discussion on social media, the art of the debate is becoming increasingly controversial and divisive. As polarization grows, many Americans feel that political debate is unproductive and a waste of time. But despite this perception, debate is not only necessary for democracy but can also be productive.
A debate is a formal, structured conversation that aims to inform voters about the candidates and their positions on important issues. It is an opportunity for both parties to present arguments that highlight their differences in beliefs and values. Debates are typically held between a candidate and their opponents and can be moderated by experts on the topic or representatives of the media.
Regardless of the format, debates have certain common features. They are designed to allow each candidate the opportunity to clarify their position and respond to questions from audience members. They are usually arranged in a series of events over a set period of time to accommodate the various schedules of participants. The debates are often broadcast live on television.
The debates are organized by the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD). CPD chooses moderators for each debate several weeks in advance, and does not involve campaigns or the candidates in the decision process. The moderators are primarily chosen for their knowledge of the candidates’ positions and their extensive experience in live television broadcast news. Each debate is held at a different venue in the United States and is generally hosted by two different networks.
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