The weeks leading up to election night are usually filled with debates, pitting candidates against each other on a stage to address the most divisive issues in their race. But in 2022, several candidates have hesitated to engage or simply decided not to participate at all.
In Ohio, Republican Gov. Mike DeWine (R) decided not to participate in a formal debate. In Pennsylvania, Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman held off, citing medical concerns. In Georgia, Republican Senate candidate Herschel Walker has been selective about it.
There is no requirement for candidates to engage in a political debate before a U.S. election, as debates are simply a tradition.
“I think it’s important from the voter’s standpoint to see candidates who are unscripted–to see what they’re made of,” said James McCann, a political science professor at Purdue University.
While this layer of information is educational for voters, McCann said debates are less frequent because of who is running for office these days.
“I think maybe because there are a lot of novice candidates who didn’t really come up through the ranks,” McCann said. “They may not be accustomed to politicking in the traditional sense. So there’s some reluctance in some cases.”
According to McCann, it’s not just about the candidates, but the tools available to them and activating their base.
“It’s much more straightforward now to directly target your likely voters,” McCann said. “To hit social media sites and to roll out your mobilization plans on the ground to be really very direct in targeting the voters who you think will support you.”
With control over social media messaging, it may seem unnecessary for a candidate to open himself up to risk in an unscripted debate.
“If you engage in a debate, that throws a potential monkey wrench into your planning,” McCann said. “It’s less easy to control. There are more wild cards that might come out.”
