Midterm debate season provides candidates with the platform to face off against rivals and present their arguments to voters as Election Day approaches. The question persists: do these debates sway outcomes in competitive races? Recently, Senate candidates engaged in debates in key battleground states like Maine, Iowa, and Georgia. These events generated significant exchanges and viral moments. Meanwhile, debates for critical Senate races in Texas and Ohio, as well as gubernatorial races in Nevada and Ohio, have not yet occurred.
Experts maintain that despite concerns about low television viewership and potential missteps, debates can be pivotal. A strong performance or a mistake might determine a candidate’s fate. For instance, a weak debate performance affected former President Joe Biden’s 2024 campaign run, illustrating how debates can alter political trajectories. This echoes moments like John F. Kennedy’s televised debate with Richard Nixon in 1960 or Marco Rubio’s debate with Chris Christie in the 2016 presidential race.
Determining how debate performances influence voter decisions is challenging. The importance of debates resurfaces as some candidates opt out. Keisha Lance Bottoms, Democratic nominee for governor in Georgia, recently debated Republican Rick Jackson, who later declined another debate. In Nevada, Democratic nominee Aaron Ford participated in a debate without incumbent Gov. Joe Lombardo. In Texas, James Talarico called for a debate with Republican Ken Paxton, but appeared solo at a town hall event.
“Appearing solo on stage can highlight an opponent’s refusal to debate,” noted Craig Hennigan, director at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas debate program.
Candidates value online platforms to amplify debate moments. Aaron Kall, director of debate at the University of Michigan, explains that viral content on social media is a strategic goal for debaters and coaches alike. Notably, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs declined to debate her Republican rival, continuing a trend where some Democrats choose not to engage in such forums.
Brett O’Donnell, who has experience with GOP debate preparations, emphasizes the decline in debate participation, warning that democracy benefits from healthy public discourse. He advises Republicans to participate, arguing they have strong positions to present.
**Republican Debate Strategies**
During debates, Republican candidates have used the platform to distance themselves from certain presidential policies, citing issues such as high fuel prices. For example, Iowa’s Senate candidate Ashley Hinson discussed fuel costs, while Michigan’s Mike Rogers revealed efforts to negotiate tariffs with Canada.
Yet, debates can backfire. For instance, Sen. Darline Graham’s acknowledgment of lacking expertise in national security was used against her in subsequent debates.
Aaron Kall argues that debates still influence undecided voters, especially when such forums approach election dates. They provide a setting for candidates to test their readiness and adaptability.
Craig Hennigan observes an increased interest in formats involving interactive audiences, underscoring a desire for more engaging political debate forums.
**Upcoming Debates and Campaign Events**
- Oct. 15: Maine Senate debate hosted by The Press Herald, Maine Public, NEWSCENTER Maine.
- Oct. 16: New Mexico’s 2nd District debate hosted by KRQE.
- Oct. 17-19: Bernie Sanders rallies in Florida.
- Oct. 20: Alaska House and Senate forum by The Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce.
- Oct. 21: Kansas Senate debate hosted by KSN.
As midterm elections draw near, candidate strategies and debates could play decisive roles in shaping voter opinion.