[Evil Slayer]

Debates may help turn the tide, but people have to actually watch the debates. TV is far, far more complex today than it was in 1980. Think about it. I’m not putting my faith in debates.

Now, that we have the Internet, live TV debates can be broadcast to a much larger audience with repeated pounding of the debater's words. Thus, having a greater impact than back in 1980.

[stuartcr]

People still have to want to watch them. Now they just have more choices.