Televised political debate has become an expected element in most political races for public office: as important as door-to-door campaigning, as crucial as purchased media time, as strategized an element as scheduling press conferences. In order to address candidates' opinions of local televised debates, who should participate in them, and what…

A case study focused on the set-up, execution, and post-debate review of one specific debate held in October 1988 in Rochester, New York among the candidates for the 30th Congressional seat. Data were gathered via pre-and post-debate interviews with the candidates involved, their party chairs and campaign managers, as well as close on-site…