Debate isn't about scoring a win
Or coercing an enemy into giving in
But getting fellow humans to find what we hold in common
Debate
verb de·bate
Definition of debate
debated; debating
intransitive verb
1obsolete : fight, contend
2a : to contend in words
b : to discuss a question by considering opposed arguments
3: to participate in a debate
transitive verb
1 a : to argue about
b : to engage (an opponent) in debate
2: to turn over in one's mind : to think about (as different options) in order to decide
-Merriam-Webster online dictionary
Considering the other side is as much a part of the definition as arguing against it.