Well, IMO, an “interview” question is a personal question for the interviewee...
The questions asked during a real debate should be at large questions about the topic or issue being debated.
Absolutely. Such questions cheat the viewers.
They also cheat the candidates.
But they cheat all the candidates.
If “interview” questions are only, or mostly, asked of some candidates and not others- then they are unfair at a debate.