ARCHIVES
Akron Decides: Mayoral Debate 2023
Akron Decides: 1st Mayoral Debate 2023
On April 5, Michael Shearer moderated as journalists Anna Huntsman, Mark Turner, and Cheryl Powell questioned Democratic Akron mayoral candidates.
Akron Decides: 2nd Mayoral Debate 2023
On April 12, Akron voters submitted questions online in writing or through video. Ideastream Public Media's Andrew Meyer and Rick Jackson co-moderated. The Democratic Akron mayoral candidates included Mark Greer, Shammas Malik, Tara Mosley, Keith Mills, Marco Sommerville, Joshua Schaffer, and Jeff Wilhite.
2022 DEBATE ARCHIVES
Voters First: 2022 Ohio US Senate Democratic Primary
The Ohio Debate Commission hosted the first debate with all three Democratic candidates for US Senate on Monday, March 28 at Central State University: Morgan Harper, Traci (TJ) Johnson, and Congressman Tim Ryan
Voters First: 2022 Ohio US Senate Republican Primary
The Ohio Debate Commission hosted the first debate with all seven Republican candidates for the US Senate on Monday, March 28 at Central State University: State Senator Matt Dolan, Mike Gibbons, Josh Mandel, Neil Patel, Mark Pukita, Jane Timken, JD Vance.
Voters First: 2022 Ohio Gubernatorial Democratic Primary
RADIO PROGRAMS
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The history and value of political debates
March 23, 2022
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President Jack Thomas, Provost F. Erik Brooks and Ms. Jill Zimon discuss hosting the upcoming Ohio Debate Commission events at Central State University
March 22, 2022
Check out our Debate Watch Guide.
OHIO SUPREME COURT FORUM 2020
The Ohio Supreme Court Judicial Candidates Forum is presented by The Ohio Debate Commission, a coalition of news organizations, universities and civic groups that encourage respectful civic dialogue. The moderators are Curtis Jackson, anchor at Spectrum News, and Karen Kasler, Ohio Public Radio and TV Statehouse News Bureau Chief. The forum is virtual, with candidates joining via the web. Four candidates are in races for two seats on the Supreme Court of Ohio. Incumbent Justice of The Supreme Court of Ohio Sharon Kennedy is challenged by Judge John P. O'Donnell of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. And incumbent Justice Judi French of The Supreme Court of Ohio faces challenger Judge Jennifer Brunner of the Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals.
2018 DEBATE ARCHIVES
Ohio Gubernatorial Debate 2018
October 8, 2018 Ohio Gubernatorial Debate, Democratic Party candidate, Richard Cordray and Republican Party candidate, Attorney General Mike DeWine; moderator Karen Kasler of Statehouse News Burea, panelists Jackie Borchardt of Cincinnati Enquirer and Jerry Revish of WBNS Columbus.
Ohio U.S. Senate Debate 2018
October 14, 2018 Ohio U.S. Senate Debate, Senator Sherrod Brown and Congressman Jim Renacci; moderators Ann Fisher of WOSU Public Media and Russ Mitchell of WKYC Cleveland.
Governor of Ohio Forum 2018
October 15, 2018 Governor of Ohio Forum featuring moderator Rick Jackson of ideastream, Green Party candidate for Governor, Constance Gadell-Newton and Green Party candidate for Lt. Governor, Dr. Brett Joseph.
THE CITY CLUB OF
CLEVELAND FORUM
The Ohio Debate Commission (ODC) organized a virtual event moderated by journalists featuring four candidates vying for two Ohio Supreme Court seats: Justice Sharon Kennedy and challenger John P. O’Donnell, a judge on the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, and incumbent Justice Judith French, and challenger Jennifer L. Brunner, a judge on the 10th District Court of Appeals and former Ohio Secretary of State. Multiple media outlets across the state will air that event prior to Election Day.
NO DEBATE ABOUT IT: The Future of Political Debates
Several states have created debate commissions with the goal to convene high quality debates that play a critical role in informing citizens about the issues and candidates on the ballot. In 2018, the Ohio Debate Commission was formed, joining Indiana, Utah, and Washington, as the only states with this type of statewide collaboration. How are they working? What should the future of debates look like? A panel of experts discuss the emerging role of statewide debate commissions and their potential to create debates that better serve the public, the candidates, and our democracy.