Do presidential debates matter?

Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks during the CNN Presidential Debate at the CNN Studios on June 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are set to square off for their first presidential debate matchup on September 10 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

While presidential debates are already some of the most anticipated campaign events, this debate comes with additional intrigue after President Joe Biden stepped aside from his reelection campaign.

In a few weeks, vice presidential nominees Governor Tim Walz and Senator J.D. Vance will also debate.

Given the finalized two tickets, along with earlier access to ballots among voters in many key states—many are left wondering just how much of an impact the debates will have.

Dustin Carnahan is an associate professor in the communication department at Michigan State University’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences whose expertise focuses on how people engage with political information and how that engagement influences their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.

Here, Carnahan answers questions about just how much debates matter: