In political debate, a candidate or group of candidates is confronted by a single opponent and is challenged to explain their positions on issues. Debates are a key tool in a campaign and can have a significant impact on voters’ perceptions of the candidates. The tradition of integrating debate into a political campaign dates back to the Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1860. Since then, the debates have become a standard part of political campaigns in the United States and around the world.
Political debates can be held by a variety of entities, including broadcasters, bona fide newspapers and magazines, and nonprofit organizations. However, the organization sponsoring a debate must not support or endorse any candidate or party. In addition, the debate must be structured to focus maximum time and attention on the candidates and their views. The CPD oversees all presidential and vice presidential debates, and a subcommittee of the advisory panel developed nonpartisan criteria for extending debate invitations to candidates.
Each debater is allotted a certain amount of time to answer questions. Traditionally, debates are divided into two parts: an opening statement and the question-and-answer period. Each part is typically 30 minutes long, although the moderator may allow the first and last speaker to speak for longer than the rest. At the moderator’s discretion, the discussion of a question may be extended. A debate may also include a “Point of Information” segment in which the moderator invites questions from audience members on any topic.