Presidential primary debates compared: timing of debate and size of candidate field as moderators of debate effects. (3rd April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Warner, Benjamin R.; Bramlett, Josh C.; Hoeun, Sopheak; Manik, Didarul I.; Bolton, Joshua P.
• Is Part Of: Argumentation and advocacy. Volume 54:Number 1/2(2018)
• Page Start: 122
• Page End: 138
• Publication Date: 2018-04-03
• Subjects: Presidential debates -- political persuasion -- political attitudes -- 2016 election; Forensics (Public speaking) -- Periodicals; Forensics (Public speaking); Periodicals; 808.5105
• DOI: 10.1080/00028533.2018.1446868
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-8533

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study examined the effects of presidential primary debates on vote preference and four normative political attitudes to test for the possibility of an early debate effect and/or a crowded-field effect in four primary debates in fall 2015 and spring 2016. Results indicate that debates with a larger number of candidates yielded more changes in vote choice but not in the normative attitudes of political information efficacy, political interest, external efficacy, and political cynicism. Furthermore, the early Democratic debate produced the most significant normative attitude changes, hinting at a possible "catching up effect" for Democratic viewers. Findings from this study contribute to our understanding of presidential debates in a political environment that features a longer campaign season with more primary debates.