Democrats land viral blows on debate stage

On Thursday in Georgia, Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff branded his opponent a bigot: "You've hired half the Third Reich." Similar attacks flew in Michigan and Maine, with Democrats targeting Republicans on social media.

“You've hired half the Third Reich.”

Debate avoidance is now the norm

In more than half of races for Governor and Senate, the two major-party candidates are not expected to participate in any debates before Election Day. The trend holds even in competitive races.

Toss-up races are skipping debates

The Cook Political Report rates five Governor races as true toss-ups. Three, Georgia, Nevada, and Ohio, are not likely to hold a debate. Two of the hardest-fought Senate races, Texas and Ohio, are also debate-free.

Strategists say voters prefer viral clips

Strategists explain the shift as a response to how voters consume information. Few voters watch full debates. Gaffes and gotchas clipped and amplified by partisan media reach far more people than in-depth coverage.

One gaffe can define a campaign

Sen. Darlene Graham learned this lesson after her August debate stumble. She said: "I'm just going to be honest here. I'm not that informed on national security." The audience gasped in shock.

“I'm just going to be honest here. I'm not that informed on national security.”

Trump wades into Texas debate standoff

In Texas, Democrat James Talarico has pushed Republican Ken Paxton to debate for months.Last week, Trump mocked Talarico at a San Antonio rally, suggesting he was absent because he is a secret vegan rejecting barbecue.

Trump calls for Texas debate on social media

Trump wrote on his platform: "Ladies and Gentlemen, upon information and belief, James TalaFREAKo, who is running for the United States Senate in Texas, is MISSING IN ACTION!

“Ladies and Gentlemen, upon information and belief, James TalaFREAKo, who is running for the United States Senate in Texas, is MISSING IN ACTION!”

Debate decline is accelerating sharply

Of this year's thirty-six races for Governor, twenty-one races, or fifty-eight percent, won't see a debate.The same analysis pegs the share of Senate races likely to reach Election Day without a debate at sixty percent.

Debates matter less in ad-saturated races

Some political professionals question how much debates matter, particularly in hard-fought races where voters are bombarded with ads.

Debate avoidance may reshape 2028 race

The debate absenteeism in this cycle may be a harbinger of what's to come in twenty twenty-eight, which is shaping up to be dominated by crowded fights for the Republican and Democratic presidential nominations.