The reason many think that Trump apparently won most of the Republican debates even if he didn't. I watched the debates from the get-go knowing that I was for Cruz or Trump. Even so, I came away from some debates thinking Rubio had the best night, or Carson, or Cruz. Nevertheless, many voters thought Trump won almost every time; and considering how the primaries worked out, I guess he did.
A great thing about the debates is that Trump can make a point and register a win before the media can develop a meme to squelch him.
And Trump doesn’t restrict himself to debates. Even after it’s over, he tweets.
Hillary could make him flounder like a fish out of water, but then he tweats.
Debates are not the same anymore unless consultants bog you down.