Candidate debates have become a tradition in American politics. At their best, debates can reveal candidates' grasp of complex issues, their ability to express ideas, their poise under pressure.
Debates can be a measure of leadership and vision.
Nevertheless, voters need to view debates with a critical eye. Debates sometimes can emphasize image over substance. Good debaters are not necessarily better leaders. Voters can carefully follow a candidate debate and still not have the answers to questions of great importance. Every political debate is the result of a long series of negotiations among the sponsors, the candidates and often the broadcaster.