Presidential debates revolutionized politics by emphasizing the importance of television and live performance. Candidates need to excel at television to connect with the audience effectively. Debates have a long history of mixing reality TV with politics, dating back to memorable moments like President Reagan’s joke about youth and inexperience or Mitt Romney’s comment about binders full of women. These live performances often lead to unexpected humor, gaffes, and on-screen moments that stick in viewers’ minds, shaping public perception of candidates.
The debate format has evolved over the years, with the first modern debate between Kennedy and Nixon in 1960 setting the stage for future televised forums. The League of Women Voters managed the debates until the Commission on Presidential Debates took over in 1988, introducing the town hall format to allow average citizens to question candidates directly. However, the 2020 debate between Biden and Trump marked a significant change as the campaigns worked directly with CNN, bypassing the CPD for the first time since 1988.
Despite the changes in how debates are conducted, the core goal remains the same – to reach and engage the audience. Candidates must navigate the dynamics of television and live performance to make a lasting impact on voters. The influence of television on politics continues to shape debates, with memorable visual moments often overshadowing the actual content of the discussions. From Trump’s lurking behind Clinton in 2016 to Gore’s dramatic sighs in 2000, these on-screen actions can leave a lasting impression on viewers.
The decision to move away from the traditional debate format has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that the campaigns are prioritizing their interests over the integrity of the debates. By cutting out the CPD and hosting debates outside of universities, candidates are changing the way these events are perceived and carried out. This shift away from the established norms has raised questions about the future of debates and their role in shaping public opinion.
The rivalry between Biden and Trump has driven the debate over the debate format, leading to a shift in how these events are organized and executed. Both candidates have taken their feud outside of the traditional framework, engaging in a battle over where and how the debates should take place. This gamesmanship has challenged the established institutions like the CPD, raising concerns about the loss of the town hall format and the civic engagement opportunities it provided.
Ultimately, the merging of television and politics has transformed the way candidates communicate with the public and engage in debates. As candidates strive to connect with viewers through the medium of television, live performances, and unexpected moments, the role of debates in shaping public perception and political discourse continues to evolve. The 2020 debate between Biden and Trump represents a turning point in the history of presidential debates, highlighting the ongoing tension between the need to engage with the audience and the desire to control the narrative.
