presidential debate
Election-season verbal duel
A presidential debate is a formal, televised confrontation between candidates for president, typically held during campaign season.
Candidates answer questions and challenge each other's positions on policy and character.
The debates are major media events that can shift public perception: The challenger's strong performance in the presidential debate changed the trajectory of the race.
In the U.S., presidential debates have been a fixture of general elections since 1960.
- podiumRaised platform for speakers
- candidatePerson seeking selection
- moderatorOne who presates proceedings
- opening remarksInitial statements beginning discourse
- closing statementFinal remarks in proceedings
election · campaign · votes · polls · stage · microphone · split screen · body language · rebuttal · policy · soundbite · zingers · handshake · live audience · audience · ratings · spin · gaffe
- debatesmoderator, podium, lectern, rebuttal, rebuttals
- political eventselection, campaign, vote, rally, inauguration
- Debate formatsLincoln-Douglas, parliamentary, cross-examination, open forum, public forum
- rhetoricrhetoric, persuasion, oratory, argumentation, public speaking
presidential debatecampaign rally
Gathering to support candidate
stump speech · fireside chat · inaugural address · monologue · inauguration speech
presidential debatebackroom deal
Secret unofficial agreement
smoke-filled room · secret diplomacy · executive session · classified briefing
president, presidential, presidency, presidents, preside, presiding, presided, presides, debate