In recent electoral cycles, candidates are increasingly avoiding debates, raising concerns about the impact on democracy and voter engagement. Strategists are pointing out that the incentives for participating in debates are fundamentally flawed, leading many to question the relevance of these events. Editorials across various platforms argue that candidates owe it to voters to engage in open discussions, especially in crucial races such as the gubernatorial election in Tennessee. As calls for traditional debates grow louder, some wonder if the reluctance to participate signifies a broader shift in political campaigning, where candidates are opting for a safer, less confrontational approach rather than addressing differences in opinion publicly.