Presidential Debate Analysis

One can hardly imagine how our primaries and elections would unfold without debates. Presidential debates are indeed necessary, both for the candidates and the citizens. Their importance evolves from a number of reasons: providing a mass media outlet for the candidates, exposing a raw and authentic persona of the candidates, and disclosing the candidates stark contrasts, or possibly similarities.
Initially, presidential debates provide a mass platform for candidates to voice their political positions and concerns. Without the debates, especially during primaries, the underdog candidate would hugely struggle to grasp a massive outlet to express their policies. For instance, in the beginning of the election, most Americans held more knowledge of Hillary Clinton (for previously being the first lady and secretary of state) than of Bernie Sanders, because of this the Sanders campaign utilized alternative ways to reach ordinary people. However, the debates rapidly helped him gain support and connect with numerous Americans. After the first democratic debate, Sanders won and significantly rose in the polls from around 20% to 41%.
Viewing the general election debate aids voters in deciding whom to vote for. Generally, this is the candidate’s last chance to win over voters and voters’ last chance to appoint a candidate. Once viewers acknowledge the candidates odd similarities or contrasts, the choice becomes easier, hopefully. Hence, the final debates offer crucial outlets for the candidates to finalize their campaigns and political positions.
Essentially, presidential debates are undeniably necessary due to various reasons. If we had no debates, voters would barely know what the candidates are genuinely like. Of course, citizens could do research on each candidate and such, but we would not receive the same platform and authenticity that derives from these