As noted before, both candidates want to be declared the winner and commit no gaffes.

Candidate preparation for debates depends upon the specific strengths and weaknesses of the candidates.

There is a natural drama to debates. In some ways, yes, they are similar to athletic events. Participants are opponents and on Election Day, one candidate will prevail.

Although research does demonstrate that viewers of debates tend to think their preferred candidate does better and “wins,” debates do influence undecided voters.

In the political consulting industry, there’s an old adage that candidates do not really win debates, but they can certainly lose them.

There are several factors that influence campaigns whether it is to their advantage to engage in one or more public debates.