Each day, more incumbent politicians and front-runners in Texas are skipping debates during the primary elections. Why is this happening?

Election experts say in today’s political climate, debates can sometimes hurt candidates more than they help. There’s an argument for good government and an informed electorate, but many debates — especially during primaries, when there are few policy differences between platforms — have devolved into contests for sound bites and mudslinging, experts say.

Will Haley take centre stage again? Will Christie continue to go after Trump? And with the former president’s massive lead, do the debates matter at all?

Jacob Thompson, a communication studies professor, notes that Scott faces unique challenges due to his position in the Republican Party and his race. While he excels in projecting positivity and optimism, the Republican Party tends to adopt a more critical and pessimistic tone as the opposition party.

Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) is signaling he could be taking a more aggressive approach toward rivals ahead of the second GOP debate next week as he trails several contenders in 2024 polls.

From Richard Nixon's sweating to Rick Perry's "oops"

There’s no way for Trump to go but down in Republican primary, leaving him with few incentives to take part, debate experts tell Gustaf Kilander

Why are so many candidates deciding they’re better off not debating? Meanwhile, GOP candidates struggle to raise funds, Republicans boost legislative candidates and Texas AG Paxton won’t be served.