In a primary election, candidates will try to prove their party bona fides. They will be trying to gather their first endorsements and proving to party loyalists that they are the true believers to lead the party.

There will often be more than two candidates making asking questions a long and slow process in public settings.

By definition, run-offs are between two candidates.

During run-offs, candidates have already positioned themselves and their basic politics are known. Voters need to find seperation between the candidates. This is the time to test candidates ability to explain grand theories of political science.

Once they pass the run-off phase of the election cycle, they will represent the Party.

Candidates who make it to the general election need to rally their base while carefully balancing an attempt to appeal to a few voters from the opposition party.

Voters want to learn how reasonable candidates are and understand how likely they will be to act on their campaign promises.