Why are Presidential Debates held at Colleges/Universities?

Question

Why are Presidential Debates held at Colleges/Universities? Why don't they utilize studios or even stadiums?

Answer 1

Probably because of the huge auditoriums these universities and colleges have.



But it should be noted that not all debates are held at colleges and universities.

Answer 2

Perhaps the answer is a more Technical issue. Local theaters may have the capacity for such an event, but not the Technical infrastructure. Since most Universities have built, with Federal money the infrastructure to Broadcast via Satellite football and basketball games and such. Therefore the Satelitte up links are all in place and the buildings prewired without running miles of cable up and down aisles and trough lobbies as would be needed in another facility. They have backdrops and stage support facilities available and plenty of student manpower to help with the logistics. In addition these venues have more than adequate parking facilities with proper Ingres and egress for ease of traffic flow.



The Tv Studios in these cities just are not large enough to handle the crowd.



Proud vet

Answer 3

One of the Obama-Clinton debates in 2008 campaign was held at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.

Answer 4

Since the debates are televised and reaches MILLIONS, the size of the "stadium" is not the issue.



Acoustics, lightning, sound controls, are probably more managable in smaller, more "homey" settings.



After all, the size of the CROWD in the room is unimportant......what's important in a debate is the candidates answers and responses.......which might get drowned out, with too much cat calling and whistling from unruly staduim mobs.



Surely security is also an issue.........smaller venues have better entrance and exit protection......and easier to patrol for secret service. After all,one of these men might be your next president.......and no one wants a repeat of Bobby Kennedy.



Another reason is simple......older people are more set in their ways.....and are probably well set in their thinking later in life. In Universities......you still have the chance to preach to fresh minds....and sway opinions to your side. It's fertile ground to recruit campaign volunteers........the voices of the NEXT generation. That's probably why universities are chosen........younger, engaged , enthusiastic live crowds, with the security of reasonable sized auditoriums that are easily protected....and usually quite suitable for the task of setting up 8 or 9 podiums or chairs or whatever, in a personal, cozy,tempature control, element-free setting..

Answer 5

Because Universities are public places, unlike stadiums, that already have huge auditoriums for that purpose. Studios? politics are already becoming more and more like show business, do you really want to have it in a tv studio?

Answer 6

Because the Kiwanis club is too small and the banquet room at the Hilton is usually booked

Answer 7

what is a 'studio?' Stadiums are way too large & impersonal.