Political debate formats significantly influence public understanding by shaping how information is presented and interpreted. Structured debates can help clarify political positions and policies, enabling audiences to compare candidates and their ideologies. However, less formal or overly combative formats may limit productive discourse, reducing complex issues to oversimplified arguments. Moreover, visual and auditory elements of debate presentation can impact audience perceptions and retention of information. The accessibility of debates through various media channels also affects who participates in the discourse, ultimately influencing how informed the public becomes about political candidates and their platforms.