Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs (D-AZ) has chosen not to debate her Republican opponent, Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ), in the upcoming election. This decision follows her refusal to debate Kari Lake during the previous gubernatorial race, a choice that drew criticism but ultimately did not hinder her victory. Hobbs' campaign argues that direct interaction with voters is more beneficial than participating in debates, which they describe as focused on short soundbites and political theatrics.
However, this raises questions about the expectations surrounding debates. Hobbs' campaign has criticized Biggs for not participating in debates, creating a contradiction in her own refusal to engage in the same manner during the general election. This situation highlights a broader trend where candidates may feel less compelled to debate if voters do not seem to prioritize these events.
Former President Donald Trump also opted out of debates during the 2024 Republican primaries, a strategy that proved successful for him as he secured the nomination without participating in any debates. The rationale behind this approach is that while a strong debate performance might offer some benefits, a poor performance could significantly damage a campaign.
Research indicates that the frequency of debates has declined over the years. A Brookings Institution analysis revealed that in five competitive U.S. Senate races, there were 17 debates in 2010, which dropped to seven in 2020 and only six by 2022. This trend raises concerns about the perceived importance of debates in the electoral process.
Despite the common belief that debates are essential, many voters continue to cast their ballots based on pre-existing views rather than the outcomes of debates. This lack of accountability may lead candidates to perceive that they can refuse to debate without facing significant political consequences.
Debates serve as a platform for candidates to confront one another, clarify their positions, and engage with voters directly. However, the theatrical nature of debates can detract from their purpose, with candidates sometimes avoiding direct answers and moderators focusing on attention-grabbing moments rather than substantive policy discussions.
The ongoing refusal of candidates to participate in debates may threaten the tradition of public discourse in elections. Voters deserve the opportunity to see candidates challenged in a public forum, and the political landscape may continue to shift if candidates feel they can avoid debates without repercussions.
David W. Falls, a retired Microsoft engineering program manager, writes about technology, science, politics, and culture. His work has appeared in various publications, and he is the author of several books.