Will engaging in a public debate help win a candidate?

yes. indeed. I believe whoever aspire for any public position should engage in public debate. It is where we will be able to know the candidate better how she/he answers questions. It is very important candidates should have better judgment when it comes to national issues etc. It is a venue where we get to see the real person, what that person is made of. we need leaders who are brilliant, sincere and have a clean intention to serve the people.

It could since there is still a large number of undecided voters. Most canditates have somewhat the same platform, have the same credentials and stuff. Usually a public debate would be the deciding factor. But it must be pointed out that there's two sides of a coin. If a candidate does poorly in a debate, it could cost himnthe election

I guess not really, it depends on the person about his/her credibility, even if a person or a politician is a good debater still he will judge according to his personality, but in politics personality doesn't matter at all, if you have lots of money you will win, this is the sad reality about politics. Though the people knows already that the particular politician is a corrupt they still vote because of money.

As for me, joining those public debate is a big help to see a candidates ability to defend himself/herself in any situation he/she may be in. In the case of Nancy I think that was a lame excuse that she is too busy and has no time to join in any debates. She is running for senate and for that she should be a good debater for once. Just saddened to see that despite her bratty disposition she is on the top 12 winnables in the senate.

In a way yes because they will be able to get the chance to show to the world their stand on a certain issues, when it's favorable to the electorate then they will surely gain votes during the election. Personally I love to watch debates between candidates. It helps me determine who really is worthy of my vote. Public debates also made it easier for the people to know the background of the candidates, since most of the people don't have time to read their biography anymore.

Of course, engaging in a debate is a huge factor. It will definitely be a plus for me. How I am supposed to know the quality of these aspirants if they cannot articulate their issues or defend them when the end arises? If politician has a goal in mind, s/he should be able to know how to communicate it effectively to other people or make other people realize why a particular goal is worth having. Last time, I remember debating laws and issues are part of a representatives' job, not a just someone who can warm chairs. The more interesting questions is, is the public has the time to listen to the debates. Today's elections are decided by popularity. That's why we have surveys that can be one question only(who's your senator or who do you think will win?). You could answer the question instantly and it doesn't require a lengthy explanation.

I think it is good to avoid public debates as far as possible. I do not think there would be any good in debating with others.

i personally feel that public debates are very helpful in showing the Filipino people which candidate deserves to have their votes. in a public debate each candidate is given the same length of time to answer a certain political issue and sure enough a candidates brilliant intelligence sets him apart from those with none at all.

Engaging in public debates will somehow give a candidate an exposure so that people would have the chance to know the candidate a little better. Although it does not give assurance of a win, but alteast, a candidate would want to be know for the person he/she is than just be known as the daughter for the Vice President or a daughter/son of an ex senator, etc. At least give herself an identity far from his parents or other significant relatives in the government.

HI ! Maybe in some ways it can help but it can never be our basis in order to vote for them . There are so many politicians who have good public speaking skills yet when you look to his track of record , he has not done anything good to his community. He have done so many anomalies when he was still in office and let him speak , he will then speak as good as president Obama. I would rather vote a candidate basing in his family background , his projects implemented. Public is nothing but a showdown as to who speak well and who's good in playing words. I don't believed in those speeches and lies given by candidates in front of the crowd. They always appear so humble but in reality , poor citizen can hardly get inside their gates.

Public debates are a way for people to know the candidates more, and a way for candidates to show the people who they are. If the candidate is good at speaking, then public debates can definitely help him win. There was a candidate for mayor here in our town who did very well in a public debate. After that public debate, more people were saying that they were going to vote for him. I don't know why Nancy Binay doesn't want to join public debates, but I think it will not reflect positively on her candidacy.

I really believe it would help a candidate. It shows off their reasoning skills and analysis. It would prove how well they can handle pressure and still think and answer smartly. In case of Nancy Binay, that was really a huge turn off. I hope she won't win. It just shows that she can't handle pressure and she has a low IQ. lol