Broadcasters and newspapers are increasingly involved in sponsoring debates, often in cooperation with a nonpartisan civic group. It has become common for political party committees to hold debates for primary elections to help party members make decisions about candidates for nomination. Since 1988, general election presidential debates have been sponsored by a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, the Commission on Presidential Debates, founded by the two major national political party committees. The goal of most organizations that sponsor debates is to help voters make electoral decisions and to get candidates on the record so they can be held accountable for their stated positions on issues. To meet these goals, debates must attract and hold as large an audience as possible and must deal with real issues in the campaign.
Candidates see debates as an opportunity to get their message out to the voters.
But candidates also use debates to embarrass attack opponents. Aware of the intensive news coverage engendered by debates, candidates strive to provide memorable soundbites and avoid fatal gaffes. The voting public looks to debates for more than candidates' views on issue. They use debates to judge the candidates' characters, communication skills, sense of humor, ability to think on their feet and knowledge of public affairs issues. Post-debate surveys show that debates do influence voters' choices, especially undecided voters.