By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A political scientist with Emporia State University still believes there is a value in a Presidential debate, even as the October 15 debate has gone by the boards and we're down to just one more scheduled before the November election.
"There's no evidence that these debates influence the outcome of elections," said Michael Smith. "There's nothing. Even really memorable ones like Kennedy-Nixon in 1960. We just don't have the evidence that it swayed the election."
There is a question if civility can come back if the two candidates meet again.
"You know, a lot of people reported watching the first debate with their kids and the kids were horrified," Smith said. "The parents really struggled. How do I explain this to my kids? It would be neat for the next generations and for civic culture if we could role model a civil debate. It won't affect the outcome of our election, but it would be good for our civic culture."
The final debate is still on for now on October 22 in Nashville, Tennessee.