Candidates Show Reluctance to Participate in Political Debates

<p>Debates in political campaigns have become less common, with candidates increasingly viewing them as optional or potentially damaging to their campaigns. This trend is particularly evident in the current midterm cycle, which is characterized by significant spending on contrast advertisements, as candidates are hesitant to engage in face-to-face challenges.</p><p><strong>Why it matters:</strong> The evolution of campaign strategies reflects a shift in norms, as candidates, supported by their parties and super PACs, continue to attack their opponents from a distance rather than in person.</p><hr /><ul><li>The rise of short, shareable video clips has made TV debates both an opportunity and a risk for candidates; a strong performance can enhance visibility, while a mistake can have lasting repercussions.</li></ul><p><strong>By the numbers:</strong> An Axios review of scheduled debates reveals that in 10 closely watched gubernatorial races, there are no agreed-upon debates between major-party nominees in five states: Arizona, Florida, Nevada, Ohio, and Texas. In contrast, four years ago, only two of these races lacked a debate.</p><ul><li>In 10 competitive Senate races this year, three states—North Carolina, Ohio, and Texas—have no debates scheduled, an increase from one debate-free race in the previous election cycle.</li><li>Some campaigns are still negotiating potential venues and moderators, and additional debates may be scheduled as the November 3 election approaches.</li></ul><p><strong>Driving the news:</strong> Florida's Democratic gubernatorial nominee, David Jolly, recently announced he would not debate Republican Rep. Byron Donalds, stating, "I think he's acting with bad faith and continues to peddle lies. You can't debate a liar." Donalds responded by calling Jolly "scared." This would mark the first time since 1974 that Florida has not had a gubernatorial debate, as neither candidate debated their primary opponents.</p><ul><li><strong>In Ohio</strong>, Democratic nominee Amy Acton has declined to debate Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, citing personal attacks against her and her family, stating, "I will not be giving a platform to someone who I think is not just out of touch and not right, for I think he is a danger."</li></ul><p><strong>In Texas</strong>, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has not agreed to debate Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa this year, with no explanation provided.</p><p><strong>In Nevada</strong>, Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford has accepted two debate invitations from Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo, who has not publicly committed to them.</p><p><strong>Yes, but:</strong> Iowa stands out with four gubernatorial debates scheduled this fall, a significant increase from one debate in 2022, reflecting the competitive nature of the state as support for Trump and his policies has declined.</p><p><strong>The intrigue:</strong> Arizona's Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs is among the few candidates who have opted out of debates this year, continuing a pattern from four years ago. In 2022, she declined to debate Republican Kari Lake, arguing that Lake would turn the debate into a spectacle. This year, Hobbs cites that engaging directly with Arizonans is more effective than participating in debates, which she describes as designed for "short soundbites and political theater."</p><p><strong>Zoom in:</strong> The Senate is also experiencing a decline in debates. In Texas, Democratic state Rep. James Talarico has accepted invitations to three televised debates against Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, whose campaign has not committed to the proposed events. In North Carolina, neither former Gov. Roy Cooper nor Michael Whatley have accepted any of at least three debate invitations, although both have expressed openness to debating.</p><ul><li>In Ohio, former Sen. Sherrod Brown has indicated he assumes he will debate Republican Sen. Jon Husted, but no debates have been scheduled.</li></ul><p><strong>What they're saying:</strong> Brett O'Donnell, a GOP debate-prep consultant, commented that the decline of debates is detrimental to democracy, highlighting the changing dynamics of campaigns and media. He noted, "There's so much more money in campaigns now, and a way to get messages out on social media. We live in a world where people get impatient after watching something for 15 seconds online. How many people will actually watch an hour-long debate?"</p>