Debates are supposed to be a civil comparison of stances between two candidates. Instead, they have become so hostile due in part to Trump’s abandonment of political norms.
Donald Trump declared last week that there would not be another presidential debate between him and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Pundits were quick to point out that the Trump campaign was already doing “damage control” after a weak debate performance the first time around, and the Harris campaign apparently accused Trump of trying to dodge a second debate loss. And I’m sure voters and media outlets were excited for a second debate, just for whatever craziness would result.
I argued following the debate that Trump had a poor performance, but frankly, I’m not so sure that matters, and I don’t think his decision not to debate further will turn off many voters. Why? People have made up their minds.
If you are going to vote, there is a good chance you already know which candidate you will support.
Trump’s debate decision probably doesn’t move the needle
Debates have traditionally been grounds for candidates to differentiate themselves on policy civilly. Look at the Obama-Romney debates or the Gore-Bush debates, and you will see an entirely different political climate.
These civil environments could persuade swing voters, particularly when our nation was far less polarized. The candidates gave voters policy decisions to weigh.
