Presidential Debate Time and Schedule: A Comprehensive Guide

The presidential debates are one of the most important events in the American political calendar. They provide voters with a chance to see the candidates side-by-side and hear their views on the issues.

When are the Presidential Debates?

The 2020 presidential debates will be held on the following dates:

• September 29, 2020: The first debate will be held at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.
• October 7, 2020 : The vice presidential debate will be held at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah.
• October 15, 2020: The second debate will be held at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, Florida.
• October 22, 2020: The third and final debate will be held at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.

All debates will begin at 9:00 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on major television networks.

Who is Moderating the Presidential Debates?

The 2020 presidential debates will be moderated by the following journalists:

• September 29, 2020: Chris Wallace of Fox News
• October 7, 2020: Susan Page of USA Today
• October 15, 2020: Steve Scully of C-SPAN
• October 22, 2020: Kristen Welker of NBC News

What to Expect from the Presidential Debates

The presidential debates are an opportunity for voters to see the candidates side-by-side and hear their views on the issues. The debates will cover a wide range of topics, including the economy, healthcare, climate change, and foreign policy.

The candidates will be expected to answer questions from the moderators and from each other. They will also be given time to deliver opening and closing statements.

How to Watch the Presidential Debates

The presidential debates will be broadcast live on major television networks, including ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox News. The debates will also be streamed live online on the websites of these networks.

Why the Presidential Debates Matter

The presidential debates are an important part of the election process. They provide voters with a chance to see the candidates side-by-side and hear their views on the issues. The debates can help voters make informed decisions about who to vote for on Election Day.

Benefits of Watching the Presidential Debates

There are many benefits to watching the presidential debates. Some of the benefits include:

• Learning about the candidates: The debates are a great way to learn about the candidates' backgrounds, their experience, and their positions on the issues.
• Hearing different perspectives: The debates provide an opportunity to hear different perspectives on the issues. This can help voters see the issues from different angles and make more informed decisions.
• Making informed decisions: The debates can help voters make informed decisions about who to vote for. By hearing the candidates' views on the issues, voters can decide which candidate best represents their interests.

Tips for Watching the Presidential Debates

Here are a few tips for watching the presidential debates:

• Be prepared: Before you watch the debates, take some time to research the candidates and the issues. This will help you understand the candidates' positions and make the debates more meaningful.
• Be objective: Try to be objective when watching the debates. Don't let your personal biases cloud your judgment.
• Take notes: Taking notes during the debates can help you remember the candidates' positions on the issues.
• Discuss the debates: After you watch the debates, take some time to discuss them with friends, family, or colleagues. This can help you process the information and make informed decisions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when watching the presidential debates:

• Don't get caught up in the hype: The debates can be very exciting, but it's important not to get caught up in the hype. Focus on the candidates' positions on the issues, not on their personalities or their performance.
• Don't let your emotions get the best of you: It's easy to get emotional when watching the debates, but it's important to stay calm and rational. Don't let your emotions cloud your judgment.
• Don't make assumptions: Don't assume that you know what the candidates are going to say before they say it. Listen to the candidates' answers carefully and make your own judgments.

Stories and What We Learn

Here are a few stories about the presidential debates and what we can learn from them:

• In 1960, Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy's first debate was a turning point in the election. Kennedy's strong performance in the debate helped him win the election.
• In 1980, Ronald Reagan's "Are you better off today than you were four years ago?" question to Jimmy Carter helped him win the election. Reagan's question tapped into the economic concerns of many voters.
• In 2016, Donald Trump's aggressive performance in the debates helped him win the election. Trump's attacks on Hillary Clinton resonated with many voters.

These stories show that the presidential debates can have a major impact on the outcome of an election. By watching the debates and learning about the candidates' positions on the issues, voters can make informed decisions about who to vote for.

Tables

Here are three useful tables that provide additional information about the presidential debates: