Since they’re mainly political theater, the show can go on, even when only the understudies show up
Does anyone care?
The headline performer, Donald Trump, announced he will be a no-show. You can’t blame him. Trump’s sizable lead in the polls over every other candidate, declared and undeclared, confers an aura of inevitability on the former president. Why grant the others the credibility of appearing onstage with an ex-president? Also, by shunning the debates, Trump can shield himself from embarrassing questions related to his various legal woes that reflect on his fitness to serve again.
For their part, the Democrats have no debates scheduled, even though the two candidates challenging President Joe Biden are itching for the opportunity to match wits with an incumbent who needs cue cards and teleprompters to answer questions posed to him in advance.
Between 25% to 33% of Americans typically tune into at least one presidential debate, but whether it influences their decisions or simply serves as entertainment is debatable.
The Commission on Presidential Debates, which has been sponsoring candidates’ debates since 1988, cites a 2016 survey showing that 63% of voters found the debates either very helpful or somewhat helpful in determining their choices.
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