Tonight’s presidential debate promises to be one of the most watched events of the political season. Many will tune in with excitement, waiting to see which candidate emerges as the “winner.” Some might even find themselves biting their nails as each candidate takes turns speaking, interrupting, and delivering what may become the soundbite of the night. But here’s the real question: Will the person who “won” the debate in terms of performance also be the best person to lead our nation?

Debates are part of the political process. They allow candidates to present themselves, defend their policies, and engage with their opponent’s ideas in real-time. There’s no doubt that debates are valuable. They provide more information than a simple commercial or campaign speech can offer. They allow voters to see a candidate under pressure and to hear where they stand on the pressing issues of the day.

Performance vs. Policy

But, we also have to recognize that debates are inherently performative. They are designed to entertain as much as they are to inform. Candidates prepare for weeks, sometimes months, to perfect their talking points, tone, body language, and comebacks. But a good performance doesn’t always mean good policies. And that’s where voters need to be cautious.

If someone “wins” a debate because they are witty, quick on their feet, or deliver a powerful one-liner, does that automatically make them the right choice for Christians? Or does it mean they are simply good at capturing an audience’s attention? The answer is obvious—one cannot judge a candidate’s fitness solely based on how well they perform in front of a camera.

The Bible urges us to pursue wisdom and discernment in all our decisions, including how we choose our leaders. This means looking beyond the charisma, charm, or smoothness of a debater and digging deeper into the policies they advocate. What do they stand for? Do their policies align with biblical principles? How will their proposals impact life, family, freedom, justice, and morality in our society?

Debate Emotion vs. Policy Substance

It’s easy to get caught up in the emotions of a debate. You might feel drawn to a candidate because of their energy, their confidence, or how they handle tough questions. Emotions are powerful, and politicians are well aware of that. They craft their responses to evoke certain feelings—hope, fear, anger, pride. However, as voters, especially Christian voters, we must rise above emotional reactions and assess what truly matters: the substance of their policies.

Questions to Ask After the Debate

Instead of simply asking, “Who won?” here are some critical questions to reflect on after watching the debate:

• What did the candidates say about life?
  • Do their policies protect the unborn, as much as they can compared with the alternative, or do they promote a culture of death?
• Where do they stand on gender and family?
  • Do they endorse policies that affirm God’s created order or devalue and confuse it?
• What are their views on religious liberty?
  • Will they protect the public expression of faith, or will their administration seek to stifle religious freedom?
• How do they view justice?
  • Do their policies reflect biblical justice, protecting the vulnerable and promoting fairness?
• What about the economy?
  • Will their policies foster economic growth that benefits all, or will they advance regulations and policies that devalue wages or cause job loss?
• How do they view the environment?
  • Will their environmental policies balance stewardship and economic vitality, or do they embrace climate policies prioritizing government control over individual and corporate efforts?
• What is their approach to national security?
  • Will they be strong in defending our nation and prioritizing safety, or will they be soft on foreigners – individual actors, groups, or nations – that intend to exploit our vulnerabilities?
• Where do they stand on healthcare?
  • Do they promote healthcare policies that respect personal choice and the sanctity of life and support healthy living, or are they pushing for a government-controlled system that limits care and uses tax dollars for immoral procedures?

These are the kinds of questions that will help you evaluate which candidate’s platform aligns more closely with biblical values and which candidate will lead with policies that reflect God’s standards for life, liberty, and morality.

The Christian Call to Discernment

As Christians, we are called to be discerning in every aspect of our lives. That includes how we engage with political debates and make decisions about who will lead our nation. Don’t let the emotional highs of a debate sway you into voting for someone who doesn’t align with your values. Instead, focus on the policies, dig deep into their proposals, and compare them with what God’s Word teaches. Only then can you make a truly informed and righteous decision at the ballot box.