by Norm Ornstein - In 1960, the Nixon-Kennedy debates captivated the nation and by most accounts influenced the razor-thin outcome of the election. There was a hiatus in presidential debates until 1976, but they have become a campaign staple since, both a core part of the political discourse and one of the few moments when a larger share of rank-and-file voters pay attention to the real choices they face. This year they are more important than ever; when Donald Trump says the debates will break all records for viewership, he is likely correct. Read full article.

 

by Brent Griffiths - If Carolyn Lukensmeyer has her wish, the four general-election debates this fall will be nothing like their primary counterparts. No more morning-after memes featuring the nicknames bestowed on political rivals the night before. No candidates deciding to battle the moderator along with his or her opponent. And certainly, not a discussion of how big one's hands or anything else might be. Read full article.