The Importance of Debates for Elected Office

The goal of debates is to provide the public with two individuals engaging in civil discourse from different sides; vouching for themselves on who would get the chance to best represent them if they are elected. Over the past few years, debates have come under attack. Last year, former President Donald Trump chose not to participate in the Republican primary debates. Albeit, Trump is widely popular amongst members of the GOP; skipping out on a debate because he felt entitled to the nomination was selfish and wrong. Even if someone happens to be the standard bearer of their party, they should still participate in a debate so they can make their case to the voters.

Most recently, Trump said he would not entertain the idea of another presidential debate, claiming “there is no need for it.” This does nothing good for the numerous voters who have no clue where Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris stand on the issues. Voters need the opportunity to hear what these candidates for office stand for so they can vote accordingly.

For a long time, incumbents have taken advantage of the system by not accepting challenges from their challengers. In most cases, the challenger is the one who challenges the incumbent to a debate. Virtually almost all establishment politicians duck the debates since they see this as a way of not giving ammo to their challenger, making it harder to give voters answers. If one chooses to run for a high elected position such as president, U.S. Senate, or governor it should be a requirement that the major party candidates participate in at least 2-3 debates; with at least one debate occurring before vote-by-mail ballots are sent out. All other positions that are not a statewide or nationwide role should participate in at least a minimum of one debate.

For all races, it should be required that there be at least one debate before VBM’s go out. Thus, all voters have a chance to hear out what the candidates have to say so they can vote their conscience. Hosting a first debate AFTER VBM ballots go out does a huge disservice to voters. Voters need to know what they are supporting. Both major parties have engaged in this disingenuous tactic during primary and general elections. When a voter casts a VBM ballot without knowing a candidate’s stance, it does a massive disservice to them.

For example, during the 2022 Arizona gubernatorial election, Democratic nominee Katie Hobbs said she did not want to debate Republican nominee Kari Lake because she had “no desire of the spectacle that she’s [Lake] looking to create” and that the Hobbs campaign schedule was “pretty much set.” This turned out to be a very easy cop-out for not wanting to debate. Even if one thinks that their opponent would do a worse job than they would, it still does not do a good service to the voters. In the end, Hobbs went on to be elected Arizona governor with no debate ever being held.

My advice to those who seek elected office is to participate in a debate. Future constituents deserve answers on why one is running. Voters always think on their feet when it comes to voting. Anyone who runs for office and does not believe they need to answer to the voters has no business running for office.