Opinion: Where did all of the political debates go?

https://www.npr.org/2022/10/29/ [login to see] /opinion-where-did-all-of-the-political-debates-go
"This used to be the season of the World Series, fake cobweb decorations, and candidate debates.

The first two are holding strong, at least at my house. But the 2022 midterm elections have come up short on political debates. FiveThirtyEight, the political analysis website, says 58% of races for the U.S. Senate this year have had no debates. In many contests that have, there's been just one matchup where there used to be three.

Would-be governors are holding back too; a report on the governing website has concluded, "Numerous candidates for governor and other offices have decided that participating in debates is not in their own best interest."

Even when they do happen, candidates debates usually aren't real debates, so much as quiz shows without the relief of occasional commercials for headache remedies and walk-in tubs. Candidates prepare a supply of prefabricated zingers, which they launch in reply to almost any question, whether it applies or not. Post-debate news coverage highlights gaffes and awkward moments over policy differences.

Those who run for office can now reach the public directly on a whole range of platforms. They don't need pesky questions from impertinent reporters, or citizen forums where somebody asks, "So, do you believe in UFOs?"