In an era where political polarization seems to have increased, productive debate can help bridge the gap between dissenting parties. Debates provide an opportunity for candidates to articulate their positions and respond to opposing viewpoints, influencing voter decision-making and potentially causing significant shifts in support before elections. However, a single misstep during a debate can prove devastating.
In addition, the format of debates may influence how well candidates can communicate their messages to voters. For example, a rapid-fire question format may highlight a candidate’s quick thinking skills while a town hall style debate allows candidates to build personal connections with voters. While these factors may impact the results of a debate, a large proportion of the electorate does not appear to be viewing the current crop of presidential debates.
To understand the impact of political debate, we asked participants to report how frequently they engage in debate with friends and family members on topics ranging from abortion to animal testing. We then plotted their responses, showing that people overestimate how often they engage in debate.
Some of the most popular proposals to improve debates include cross-examination, shorter opening statements, different topics in each debate, and more flexible time allotments that encourage candidates to discuss their views more deeply rather than limiting them to a “filibuster” of short answers. In a recent study, participants who favored these changes were more likely to have hope for America’s future, suggesting that reforming the debate format can positively influence how Americans perceive their democracy.