The Evolution of Presidential Debates

Presidential debates have shifted away from their original purpose of facilitating informed political discourse into an arena dominated by entertainment and sound bites. The emphasis on creating memorable moments, or 'zingers,' often overshadows substantial discussion about candidates' policies and visions for the country. This trend has led to public dissatisfaction and a perception of debates being less educational, as people frequently enter the debates already aware of candidates’ positions. Consequently, the spectacle of debates has eclipsed their intended function of providing civic education and insight into candidates' qualifications for office.