All the top Democratic candidates vying to replace the president in 2020 will finally be on the same debate stage tonight, each trying to plug sound bites and get the last word. But research reveals that what they say may not matter as much as they hope it does.

Political psychology scholar Patrick A. Stewart explains why what viewers see on their screens – the most important factor in a television debate – isn’t something the candidates can control.

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It matters how the candidates appear on screen. NBC via Mediaite

How TV cameras influence candidates’ debate success

Patrick A. Stewart, University of Arkansas

Visual images of candidates in debates send subtle signals to viewers about who the front-runners are – and aren't.

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