Political debate is a form of communication between people with different viewpoints. It can take many forms, but it is usually structured around a set of questions or topics and a set time limit for answering each question. The goal of political debate is to provide citizens with an opportunity to sharpen their views about the issues they face. It also provides a platform for leaders to articulate the policies they envision and their vision for the future.

Heightened polarization has made some Americans frustrated with the idea of political debate, with many complaining that it is an exercise in conflict rather than a conversation. However, the CPD believes that political debate remains an important civic education tool and that it is critical to a democratic society.

Historically, most political debates have been held on college or university campuses; this allows students to participate in the production of the debates and entices them to become involved in election-related projects. The sites for the presidential debates are chosen through a bid process in which interested colleges and universities submit proposals and conduct site surveys in response to formal debate hosting guidelines. CPD board members make the final selections of the sites and dates for the debates, which are announced approximately one year in advance.

The CPD has established nonpartisan, objective criteria for candidates to be invited to participate in the debates. In addition to the criteria based on policy positions, the CPD has included other criteria such as the ability to demonstrate their knowledge of the issues through substantive answers to the moderator’s questions; not engage in irrelevant attacks against fellow candidates or the moderator; and to use their allotted time wisely and respectfully.