/ Modified sep 4, 2020 4:45 p.m.

Campaign strategies, independent voters, debate season

Plus, how political parties in Pima County are getting out the vote.

With Election Day less than two months away, candidates are entering the home stretch of their campaigns. In closely-watched races for the White House and U.S. Senate, Arizona’s swing-state status raises the stakes for both parties. We discussed their potential paths to victory with Democratic and Republican consultants Catherine Alonzo and Barrett Marson.


The number of registered Republicans, Democrats and voters with no designated party is almost evenly split three ways in Arizona. Independents could be the deciding factor in some close races. Early polling indicates which way they may be leaning, which we discussed with University of Arizona professor and political scientist Samara Klar.


The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 5. In the meantime, political groups in Southern Arizona are trying to register as many voters as they can. Tony Paniagua spoke to the leaders of the Pima County Democratic and Republican parties about their efforts and issues motivating their volunteers.


Presidential candidates are preparing for their first debate in a few weeks on Sept. 29. President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden will square off in three debates. The vice presidential debate is Oct. 7. It’s still unclear if Arizonans will get the same opportunity to see a U.S. Senate debate since Republican Sen. Martha McSally and Democratic challenger Mark Kelly have not finalized a date.

While debates are a mainstay in American politics, candidates have more options than ever to get their message across in 2020. We discussed the value of debates and their effectiveness to sway voters with Ron Faucheux, a nationally known political analyst and publisher.

Arizona 360
Arizona 360 airs Fridays at 8:30 p.m. on PBS 6 and Saturdays at 8 p.m. on PBS 6 PLUS. See more from Arizona 360.
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