The presidential debate is a unique opportunity for voters to hear directly from candidates on issues of importance to them. It offers a snapshot of how the candidates view these issues, their perspectives and plans for the future.
Since its founding in 1988, the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) has sponsored general election debates between and among the leading candidates for the presidency every four years. The CPD is an independent, nonpartisan organization funded by private donations from corporations and individuals. It does not accept any money from political parties, outside organizations or candidates.
Each candidate is given two minutes to answer a question followed by one minute of discussion with the opposing candidate. A moderator asks the questions and controls the debate format. The debates are televised with commercial breaks. The CPD also advises sponsors of non-presidential debates such as gubernatorial, congressional, mayoral, state legislative and city council debates, providing them with advice on production issues, voter education initiatives and other aspects of organizing and broadcasting the event.
Research has shown that a candidate’s performance in a presidential debate can have significant effects on the race, particularly when the candidates are close. Kamala Harris’s strong performance in this debate seemed likely to put new wind in her sails and give her campaign a much-needed boost. Whether it will be enough to overcome Trump’s entrenched support and rally new voters to her side remains to be seen.