Debates can influence public opinion primarily by:

Debates play a crucial role in shaping public opinion, primarily because they provide a platform for candidates to articulate their visions, policies, and values directly to voters. This opportunity allows candidates to present their ideas and respond to competitors in real-time, enabling voters to assess who aligns more closely with their preferences and priorities. Through debates, candidates can clarify their positions on key issues, showcase their knowledge, and demonstrate their ability to handle pressure and engage with complex topics, thereby influencing how voters perceive them.

This interaction is vital for fostering informed voting decisions, as citizens gain insights into the candidates' personalities and capacities beyond what is conveyed in traditional campaign advertisements or media coverage. The immediacy and direct nature of debates can create memorable moments that resonate with viewers, potentially swaying public opinion more effectively than other campaign strategies.

While discussions at home and media narratives are important for shaping opinions, it is the focused and direct communication provided in debates that significantly impacts voters' understanding of candidates and their choices during elections.