The 2020 Election and the Presidential Debates
This year, with the stakes higher than ever, the candidates squared off in one vice presidential and two presidential debates. The events generated fireworks and controversy, but also memorable exchanges and substantive discussion. Still, some argue these debates are built on a format whose time has passed. The Commission on Presidential Debates defends these showdowns as vital components of America’s political process.
How important were the Presidential debates for the outcome of the election? What can be done to improve them? Do presidential debates have a future at all?
SMPA will host a definitive conversation about the impact of the presidential debates. Hear from the debate moderators Susan Page, Chris Wallace, and Kristen Welker three of the most accomplished and consequential journalists of this election cycle, offer their perspective on the debates, the campaign, the candidates, and the future of American Democracy. SMPA’s Frank Sesno, former White House correspondent and CNN Washington Bureau Chief will be the moderator.
Panel:
Susan Page, Journalist and Washington Bureau Chief for USA Today and the Moderator of the 2020 Vice-Presidential Debate
Chris Wallace, Fox News Journalist and Moderator of the first 2020 Presidential Debate
Kristen Welker, NBC News White House Correspondent and Moderator of the second 2020 Presidential Debate
Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., Co-chair of The Commission on Presidential Debates and SMPA National Council Member
Kenneth Wollack, Co-chair of The Commission on Presidential Debates
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The event will be livestreamed on GW's Facebook page on Monday, November 23rd at 7pm.