United States presidential debates
During presidential election campaigns in the United States, it has become customary for the candidates to engage in one or more debates. The topics discussed in the debate are often the most controversial issues of the time, and arguably elections have been nearly decided by these debates. Candidate debates are not constitutionally mandated, but they are now considered an intrinsic part of the election process. The debates are targeted mainly at undecided voters; those who tend not to be partial to any political ideology or party.
John F. Kennedy (standing, left) and Richard Nixon (standing, right) participate in the second 1960 presidential debate, held in the NBC studios in Washington, D.C., and moderated by Frank McGee.
Jimmy Carter (left) and Gerald Ford (right) debate domestic policy at the Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia (September 23, 1976)
The stage at Saint Anselm College during the ABC/Facebook debates in 2008
Debate is a process that involves formal discourse, discussion, and oral addresses on a particular topic or collection of topics, often with a moderator and an audience. In a debate, arguments are put forward for common opposing viewpoints. Debates have historically occurred in public meetings, academic institutions, debate halls, coffeehouses, competitions, and legislative assemblies. Debates have also been conducted for educational and recreational purposes, usually associated with educational establishments and debating societies. These debates emphasized logical consistency, factual accuracy, and emotional appeal to an audience. Modern forms of competitive debate also include rules for participants to discuss and decide upon the framework of the debates.
13th-century illustration of a Jew and a Christian debating in a work by the Jewish convert Petrus Alphonsi
A Debate among Scholars, Razmnama illustration
Debate Tonight: Whether a man's wig should be dressed with honey or mustard!, a 1795 cartoon satirizing the content of debates
Many subjects were debated in the London Debating Societies of the 18th century. This is a cover to a panegyric on marriage and family life, c. 1780.