1.

) Debate (dibeit) noun: a discussion between people in which they express a different
opinions about something.

The candidates participated in several debates before the election was held.

Our polite chat about politics slowly turned into a heated debate. [=argument]

At the center/core/heart of the debate [=controversy] is the question of responsibility

2.) Candidate

3.) Mediocre mi:diok/ adjective

comparative and superlative forms: more mediocre; most mediocre

: not very good

The dinner was delicious, but the dessert was mediocre.

The carpenter did a mediocre job.

a mediocre wine

The critics dismissed him as a mediocre actor.