Even back when the League of Women Voters first televised confrontations between presidential candidates, they weren't debates. At best they were stiff, unnatural political discussions. Now that the two major political parties run them, they are carefully controlled soundbite gotcha matches. Like most everything about our campaign process, they insult the voters and undermine democracy.
Debates ought to inform.
Debates should explore assumptions and sources. Bush and Gore threw inconsistent numbers at each other for 90 minutes. If you try to run away verbally, you will be interrupted and hauled back to the topic at hand. To tar Gore with repeated references to the unsavory conduct of another man is just plain foul. Accusations about the other side's fundraising practices, unless your own are completely above board.