Final answer:
Political debates highlight candidates' policies and personalities, with visuals and performance under pressure playing significant roles alongside the discussion of ideas. Preparation, confidence, and alignment with public mood are key for success in debates. The famous 1960 Kennedy-Nixon debate exemplifies the impact of personal appearance and media on public perception.
Step-by-step explanation:
Political debates during an election season are critical events that present candidates' policies and personalities to the electorate. While policy and ideas are essential, the influence of a candidate's character and personality cannot be underestimated. Television and the internet have dramatically increased the audience for debates, thereby heightening the importance of candidates' appearances and responses under stress.
Debates are seen as opportunities for candidates to present clear messages and reinforce their brand, whether they are the agents of change or the experienced choice. Experts like Paul Begala suggest that preparation and confidence are key for a successful debate performance. Campaign managers carefully consider every aspect of the candidate, including their physical appearance, as visual impressions can be as persuasive as verbal arguments, as shown in the 1960 presidential debate between Kennedy and Nixon. Ultimately, candidates monitor public opinion to align their stances with the electorate's mood, and adept politicians adjust their behaviors and policies accordingly. While many citizens engage minimally in the political process, their opinions on public policy and candidate selection during elections remain influenced by the combined effect of policy positions and the personal attributes of the candidates.