To debate or not to debate? This question was crucial in 2024

The debate about the debates has repeatedly made headlines in this election campaign.

Former President Donald Trump did not participate in any of the Republican primary debates. Both President Joe Biden and Trump's campaign teams turned away from the traditional presidential debate commission, opting instead for media sponsors. And Trump's disagreement with his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, over muted microphones put the upcoming debate in Philadelphia in doubt.

Political debates are a long-standing tradition in America, but state organizers say some of the public disagreements obscure the important issue.

“The need to even talk about turning microphones on and off, in my opinion, shows a lack of traditional debate skills, which involve a question, your own answer, your opponent's answer and, if necessary, a rebuttal,” says Becky Edwards, co-chair of the Utah Debate Commission.

The debate over debates extends to the lower ballots, and that's not a new phenomenon in this election cycle. The Brookings Institution found that the number of debates in key Senate races has declined significantly from 2010 to 2022. And since Sept. 5, some of the most competitive Senate races have no longer scheduled debates.

But that's not the case everywhere. The Utah Debate Commission has held six primary debates and has scheduled more before the general election for governor, attorney general and the four congressional races. What's the secret to success? Edwards says open, transparent conversations about planning and rules.

“We give everyone the same information, and we have all the candidates or representatives of their campaigns there, and we let them ask their questions, and everyone hears the same questions. They hear the same answers,” Edwards explained.

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In Arizona, a nonpartisan state agency has been coordinating debates for more than 20 years. And in 2024, the Citizens Clean Elections Commission is hosting more debates than ever before. Voter Education Director Gina Roberts told Scripps News that there have been no issues with format or rules because of the organization's well-established procedures and proven format, which allows them to focus on other priorities, like choosing the right moderator.

“How can we start a meaningful discussion about politics that allows candidates to interact with each other, but also [a] moderator strong enough to moderate this conversation,” Roberts said.

It's not uncommon for incumbents to refuse to take the stage, and stepping up to the podium carries a certain amount of risk. Candidates must relinquish control, and a faux pas or viral moment could divert attention from the core issues of the campaign or end the campaign entirely.

But even in an age of 24/7 television, social media and constant communication, Edwards and Roberts agree that debates can still be extremely valuable to voters.

“It's really valuable for you as a voter to see the candidates debate each other live and without a script because you get to know who these people really are and understand what they're saying,” Roberts said.

Edwards, herself a former politician, said there was nothing better than a live debate. “It addresses an issue in real time, which is something you don't see on social media and many other pre-packaged media presentations.”

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