When it comes to educating voters about a candidate’s platform, there are few formats that can rival political debate. Unlike paid media that gives voters a carefully curated and scripted view of a candidate, or individual voter engagement experiences like door-to-door canvassing or telephone calls, debates offer candidates substantial amounts of time to articulate their views and defend their positions, while also providing the rare opportunity for public jabs at opponents. Often, the outcome of a debate can shift support for candidates as voters decide how best to vote on Election Day.
Since 2000, the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) has held a series of debates between presidential candidates. In order to participate in the debates, candidates must meet certain criteria, including a minimum level of polling support. The CPD chose 15 percent as the threshold to balance the goal of being inclusive enough to invite candidates who are considered to be among the leading contenders for the presidency while ensuring that the debates do not serve as a springboard for a candidate with only scant support, which would undermine the debates’ voter education purposes.
The CPD also advises sponsors of non-presidential debates, such as gubernatorial and congressional debates, on production issues and other aspects of organizing and broadcasting a debate. It also considers the dates of early voting, religious and federal holidays and other milestone events, as well as White House television pool contractual conflicts when selecting debate dates.