The debates that take place before elections and referendums are central to the electoral process – and a key tool for candidates looking to energize their bases. But they can also be home to many memorable moments, from the empathetic “I understand your pain” uttered by former President Bill Clinton to Donald Trump’s looming presence on stage.
A political debate can take many forms: a series of questions asked of one or more leaders, or a panel discussion in front of an audience. But a common feature is the way that the questioner frames the debate, which can be an opportunity for a leader to show his or her understanding of complex policy issues.
But it’s impossible to change someone’s entire ideology in one debate, says UNLV political science professor Craig Hennigan. To have any chance of influencing someone, Hennigan suggests trying to disentangle the issue from their worldview – and to explain how facts that contradict their beliefs can still be accommodated within it. For example, a free-market capitalist who denies climate change may be far more receptive to the evidence than you would expect if you ask them to explain how their economic policies will support the development of renewable energy.
The exact format of a political debate can vary but it normally involves each leader making a short opening statement and then being asked a set of prepared questions, which can be answered by all the leaders or just by one. The debates are usually broadcast live on television and in the press. The INE is responsible for the organization of the debates, defines the formats, selects moderators, establishes rules for moderation and production, determines the dates and venues for the debates and mechanisms for citizen participation, as well as verifying that media broadcasters are adhering to their obligations to transmit the debate signals.