How relevant are debates in 2012?

[obamanut2012]

In an era of 24/7 TV, Facebook, twitter, and any and all other forms of social media and news? Where the President, First Lady, and candidates go on The View, Ellen, Letterman, Oprah when she was on, etc.?

Serious question. In decades past, even during Bill Clinton, there was no real internet presence, and not as much 24/7 news, so people formed opinions by reading papers and watching debates.

Do the debates actually "swing" that many people any more?

[onehandle]

1. The headlines they generate can make a difference.

Rmoney still won't win, but Obama needs to come out swinging, intelligently, next time.

[former-republican]

2. 100% spot on

[boston bean]

3. I think they are pretty relevant.

Especially for the challenger.

If they can look presidential and hold their own, it can swing many undecided votes.

Even if they lied their way through it.

[godai]

4. Doubt that they change ANY votes.

They more or less reinforce beliefs.

[obamanut2012]

6. That is actually what I think, too

Including for "undecided voters."

[marshall]

5. It's a chance for spontenaiety from both sides

The appearances you mention don't feature both sides. They feature one side in what is usually rehearsed or at least planned. The debates are a place to see the candidates with their game face.