Despite their inherent conflict, debates serve an important purpose by offering voters the opportunity to sharpen views about candidates and issues in a focused format. However, political polarization has left many Americans frustrated with debates and their perceived lack of productiveness. It has also left voters confused about what, if any, policy changes may result from them.
Since its inception in 1987, the CPD has worked to develop formats that focus maximum time and attention on candidates and their views. The Commission pioneered the town-hall style debate and, in 1992, introduced a format based on citizens asking questions. The Commission has continued to refine and improve these formats.
In order to participate in a CPD-sponsored debate, a candidate must meet a minimum threshold of support determined by five national public opinion polling organizations. The Commission chose 15 percent because it balanced the goal of being inclusive enough to invite candidates widely viewed as leading, with the need to ensure that the voter education goals of the debates are not jeopardized by invitations to candidates who have only scant public support.
The Commission carefully considers a variety of factors in selecting the dates for debates, including early voting, religious and federal holidays, and White House television pool contractual conflicts. The Commission also takes into account the dates on which state ballots close, so that the greatest possible number of Americans can participate in the debates.