A debate is about comparing and contrasting ideas. The focus is on the ideas

A debate is a speaking event in which two sides use reasoned discourse to argue about a particular subject. The immediate goal of each team is to convince a panel of judges and the audience that its arguments on the subject are better than those of the opposition. The emphasis is on the logic, but each team may use appeals and arguments that also carry emotional weight. However, debate is generally characterized by emphasis on logical rather than emotional appeal.