Senate candidates this cycle are largely steering clear of the debate stage, in some cases avoiding it altogether, marking a major change from past years as campaigns question the debates’ importance.
For years, it was common for top Senate races to feature multiple debates. That is far from the case this year, with Ohio serving as a prime example.[...]
“Debates below the presidential level have only rarely mattered, and they matter even less today,” said Joshua Karp, a Democratic operative. “In the past, debates have offered an opportunity to break through the noise and maybe have an outstanding moment on an important issue, but two can play at that game and the other side gets to talk too in every debate.”[...]
Another reason for the downturn is that some operatives increasingly see more value in spending the precious time that would be devoted to preparation or debates themselves on other ways to reach voters, including barnstorming their state or doing interviews.
The operatives acknowledge the potential impact of debates has taken a hit, given how voters consume media. Most voters will not watch any portion of a debate live and will learn about them via viral clips or back-and-forth exchanges that occur. [Unquote]
My thoughts: "Debates," as they are done now on U.S. television, are not real debates and a lot of bullshit and, in a phrase Gary Peters uses elsewhere in the article, "canned messages," are flung in so-called debates. But considering what happened in the presidential race this year, for anyone, let alone a Democratic operative, to claim that they don't matter is bizarre and suggests an ability to ignore that your nose is part of your face because you can't see it without looking in a mirror.
William, there were only a few exchanges, totaling perhaps a minute, in that YouTube clip. And moreover, that was not a one-on-one debate.
The Missouri Independent article says Kunce has agreed to debate in late October. I couldn’t find indication that Josh Hawley has agreed to the debate. In fact, despite the headline, the article states:
“No word yet from Josh Hawley.”
– Mark Maassen, Executive Director, Missouri Press Association
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4927392-senate-candidates-debates/
[Quote:]
Senate candidates this cycle are largely steering clear of the debate stage, in some cases avoiding it altogether, marking a major change from past years as campaigns question the debates’ importance.
For years, it was common for top Senate races to feature multiple debates. That is far from the case this year, with Ohio serving as a prime example.[...]
“Debates below the presidential level have only rarely mattered, and they matter even less today,” said Joshua Karp, a Democratic operative. “In the past, debates have offered an opportunity to break through the noise and maybe have an outstanding moment on an important issue, but two can play at that game and the other side gets to talk too in every debate.”[...]
Another reason for the downturn is that some operatives increasingly see more value in spending the precious time that would be devoted to preparation or debates themselves on other ways to reach voters, including barnstorming their state or doing interviews.
The operatives acknowledge the potential impact of debates has taken a hit, given how voters consume media. Most voters will not watch any portion of a debate live and will learn about them via viral clips or back-and-forth exchanges that occur. [Unquote]
My thoughts: "Debates," as they are done now on U.S. television, are not real debates and a lot of bullshit and, in a phrase Gary Peters uses elsewhere in the article, "canned messages," are flung in so-called debates. But considering what happened in the presidential race this year, for anyone, let alone a Democratic operative, to claim that they don't matter is bizarre and suggests an ability to ignore that your nose is part of your face because you can't see it without looking in a mirror.
Here’s one debate I sincerely wish took place: Lucas Kunce vs Josh Hawley.
they did debate back in September and will again in late October
https://youtu.be/fzoiHEZPa2s?si=yP6LPRe9HSmomNT3
https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/josh-hawley-lucas-kunce-agree-to-missouri-senate-debate-just-days-before-election/
Gallego just debated Kari Lake while Hobbs did not in their governor’s race 2 years ago
Cortez-Masto did not debate Laxalt and still won while Rosen is scheduled to debate Brown in Nevada.
Was this debate televised? If I recall Hawley would not debate on tv??(am I remembering wrong??)
William, there were only a few exchanges, totaling perhaps a minute, in that YouTube clip. And moreover, that was not a one-on-one debate.
The Missouri Independent article says Kunce has agreed to debate in late October. I couldn’t find indication that Josh Hawley has agreed to the debate. In fact, despite the headline, the article states:
“No word yet from Josh Hawley.”
– Mark Maassen, Executive Director, Missouri Press Association