The last-minute scheduling of presidential debates between Joe Biden and Donald Trump by CNN and ABC News has been seen as a major win for the two networks. However, despite the excitement surrounding the debates, they are expected to be among the least-watched general election contests ever. This is partly due to the timing of the debates, which are taking place on short notice and during a period when many viewers may not be actively following the election. Additionally, the debates are likely to face stiff competition from other programming, such as popular TV shows and sporting events, which could further impact viewership numbers.
The lack of public interest in the debates can also be attributed to the unconventional nature of this year’s election cycle. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic restricting in-person campaigning and events, candidates have had to rely on virtual rallies and social media to reach voters. This shift in campaigning tactics has made it more challenging for the debates to garner the same level of attention and excitement as in previous years. Additionally, with many Americans already feeling overwhelmed by the constant stream of news and information, the debates may struggle to break through the noise and capture viewers’ attention.
Despite the low viewership expected for the debates, they still hold significant importance in shaping the outcome of the election. The debates offer voters a chance to see the candidates engage in unscripted exchanges and defend their policy positions, which can help undecided voters make informed decisions. Additionally, the debates provide a platform for the candidates to address key issues facing the country and present their visions for the future, which can influence voters’ perceptions of their leadership abilities.
For CNN and ABC News, the debates represent a valuable opportunity to showcase their journalistic prowess and reach a large audience. By hosting the debates, the networks can demonstrate their commitment to providing viewers with in-depth coverage of the election and facilitate a meaningful dialogue between the candidates. This can help solidify their reputation as trusted sources of news and analysis, which is important in an era of widespread misinformation and fake news. Additionally, the debates can attract high-profile advertisers and sponsors, who are eager to reach the large audience tuning in to watch the candidates face off.
In conclusion, while the upcoming presidential debates between Joe Biden and Donald Trump may not attract record-breaking viewership numbers, they still hold significant importance in shaping the outcome of the election. Despite facing challenges such as short notice and competing programming, the debates offer voters a chance to see the candidates in action and make informed decisions. For CNN and ABC News, hosting the debates is a valuable opportunity to showcase their journalistic excellence and reach a wide audience. Overall, the debates serve as a critical forum for the candidates to engage with voters and present their visions for the future, making them a key moment in the 2020 election cycle.
