Throughout history political debate has helped citizens better understand and evaluate their leaders. But heightened political polarization has left many people frustrated with debate. They wonder what is the point of trying to find consensus when each person’s viewpoints seem impossible to reconcile? They also feel like they are being lectured to by political opponents rather than engaged in a dialogue.
While political debate is an essential tool for educating voters, there are many factors that contribute to its effectiveness. A debate’s format, moderator selection, and questions are important, but there is also the question of how it is broadcast. For example, a debate can be broadcast on radio, television, or through social media platforms such as TikTok and Facebook. It is also important to consider the impact of a debate on both a national and international scale.
To help ensure a fair and impartial debate, the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) sponsors debates for general elections. In order to participate in a presidential debate, candidates must meet the CPD’s nonpartisan criteria. These include having a statistically feasible chance of winning a majority of electoral college votes and demonstrating sufficient national interest or concern to make the debates relevant for the American public. The CPD also carefully considers dates for debates, such as early voting, religious and federal holidays, and other events that may interfere with a large audience.
The CPD also advises organizations that sponsor non-presidential debates, such as gubernatorial, congressional, or mayoral debates. These organizations often seek advice regarding production issues and voter education initiatives.