Last Call for a Real Presidential Debate – My organization has a format, a venue and a moderator who is scrupulously fair
Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris shake hands before the ABC News presidential debate in Philadelphia, Sept. 10.
Photo: Alex Brandon/Associated Press
Before Americans cast their votes, they deserve at least one meaningful debate between the presidential candidates. As CEO of one of America’s leading debate forums, Open to Debate, I can confidently state that we haven’t yet seen a real presidential debate this year.
Debates have devolved into political theater, with combative candidates, biased media, agenda-driven moderators and a fixation on social-media sound bites. This structure fails to deliver the substance voters need. Debates resemble dueling press conferences, in which candidates avoid engaging on the issues and dodge accountability. The result: a spectacle that fuels division rather than informing the public.
The June 27 debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden was a debacle. Mr. Biden’s poor performance led to his withdrawal from the race, proof that debates can shape elections. That aside, the event was marred by record-breaking personal attacks, unanswered questions and ineffective moderation. The Sept. 10 debate between Mr. Trump and Kamala Harris was no better. Moderators failed to ensure fairness, selectively fact checking Mr. Trump and asking questions designed more for headlines than policy exploration.
Many Americans now accept this dysfunction as normal. But the absence of civil discourse is dangerous, weakening the fabric of democracy. Candidates like Mr. Trump and Ms. Harris refuse to debate on networks they view as partisan. But the core problem isn’t partisanship—it’s that no proper, nonpartisan debates have been offered.
That’s why the Open to Debate Foundation, in partnership with Norfolk State University, proposes to host a real debate before Election Day. Over the past nearly 20 years, we’ve produced hundreds of policy debates using a nonpartisan format free from outside pressures. Our Oxford-style debate ensures both candidates address the same topics, argue their positions and hold each other accountable for their claims.
The format would feature six segments with preagreed questions, uninterrupted opening remarks, moderated rebuttals and muted microphones to ensure fairness. The moderator would challenge evasive answers, but factual challenges would be left to the candidates—restoring integrity to the institution of debate.
Norfolk State University, a historically black institution with a long history of civic engagement, is an ideal setting. Hosting the debate there would symbolize the depth and diversity of American democracy. World-class moderation is crucial. John Donvan, an Emmy Award-winning journalist and expert debate moderator, would lead. His reputation for maintaining civility and order while ensuring substantive exchanges is unmatched. He has moderated debates with public officials spanning five U.S. administrations.
With the future of our country at stake, it’s time for a real debate in which candidates can fairly present their visions for the country. Open to Debate and Norfolk State University are ready to make that happen. The stage is set; now we just need the candidates to step up.
Ms. Conner is CEO of the Open to Debate Foundation.
