Forums and interviews allow citizens to directly observe candidates' communication skills, depth of knowledge, and authenticity when faced with difficult questions that they may not have chosen to address in their own ads and social media. 

Those candidates who are refusing to participate (e.g., those candidates who have many, many yards signs and few or no public appearances) raise the question: Why? At a time when transparency and accountability are of great concern, why avoid public exposure in non-partisan settings? Perhaps the answers to those questions are the most important of all.

Face-to-face formats serve numerous purposes:

Observe Competence

When candidates answer questions in real time, voters can evaluate their responses, tone, and body language as well as gauge how well individual candidates understand complex issues, handle pressure, and think on their feet. It becomes clear whether someone has genuinely studied a policy or is relying on talking points. In addition, candidates’ ability to explain and defend their positions reflects their capacity to lead.  

Reduce Filtering and Spin

Interviews and forums prevent candidates from fully controlling the message (unlike ads or social media posts). A moderator or interviewer can ask follow-up questions that push for specifics, revealing whether candidates can support their positions or are being evasive.

Compare and Contrast

Forums allow voters to see how different contenders approach the same issues. It's easier to spot inconsistencies, evaluate competing visions, and understand trade-offs when you hear several perspectives in one setting. It also highlights how views and approaches to governance differ, as well as the range of options available.

Engage with Community Concerns

Interviews and forums make it local and personal. Voters learn what candidates actually prioritize and how they respond to citizens’ concerns, rather than just hearing national talking points.

Build Trust and Connection

Seeing and hearing a candidate speak at length, answer tough questions, and engage authentically (or fail to do so) helps voters develop a more complete picture in deciding who to trust with power.  It also promotes the values of our democracy such as transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement. Finally, it encourages participation in elections, a cornerstone of our democracy.

Bottom Line

Overall, interviews and forums allow voters an opportunity to experience, in person, how candidates interact with the public. 

For those who decline invitations to participate, the question arises: Why?