Why do they need a podium?
Why do they need a desk?
Isn’t it supposed to be an ‘off the cuff’ type debate?
The only reason for podium or desk is to hold notes or hold the person up.
If one can’t ‘stand or support oneself’ for an hour or so etc etc etc.
One shouldn’t need notes unless a general script or list was put out prior.
Knowing the name of the 2nd ambassador to Bumfluch is not really all that important during a debate.
If the question is —What do you do if the ‘bigun’ is on the way— shouldn’t require notes or much thought from a bum in the street, much less someone who portrays themselves as being worthy to lead the ONE-TIME, strongest, stablest country in the world.
And if the ‘moderator’ is accepting random questions from the audience, HE/SHE/IT does not need a ‘fancy desk’, notes or teleprompter...all he/she/it needs is a stop watch and a muzzle if they continue to interrupt EITHER of the participants.
After all, the ‘show’ isn’t about HIM/HER/IT it is about the participants.
When one candidate talks, the other takes notes to get a handle on what's said and how they'll respond.
It's bad if they try to wing it and end up forgetting what they wanted to say. So looking down and "reading" stuff scribbled down during the debate is to be expected.
I don't know if they were allowed to bring prepared notes to the debate. It can make things more complicated if a candidate tries to say everything they've prepared and doesn't pay attention to what's going on in the room.