The Candidates
The Commission on Presidential Debates has released the final schedule for the debates between McCain and Clinton/Obama this fall. Here it is:
Additionally, here’s the Vice Presidential Debate info:
All the debates are 90 minutes long and begin at 9:00 pm Eastern time.
The Presidential debates will have a different look and format than previous years as well. Gone are the podiums and blinking lights. Instead, this year the candidates will be sitting together at the same table as the moderator.
Also gone is the timed answer and rebuttal format. Instead, the first and third debates will be organized into ten-minute “issue segments” during which the candidates will have a chance to answer and then talk back and forth with the moderator and directly with one another.
To be eligible to participate in the debates, a candidate has to be on the ballot in enough states to make it mathematically possible for him or her to reach 270 electoral votes and get at least 15% in a national poll.
February 18th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
I hate the seated format…
Also, ten minute “issue segments” are a poor way to attract an audience. The last thing people are going to want to go is sit in front of the television and watch at least one annoying old candidate sit and talk and talk and talk and talk….
February 18th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
act,
I agree with you on the seated format — I think that’s dumb. But, I’m actually looking forward to the 10-minute issue segments. We might actually get substantive dialogue now instead of complicated policy issues boiled down to 30-second sound bites.
February 18th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
I’m surprised they made a decision this early. I thought the two nominees had to negotiate about it. I suppose if McCain and whoever the Democrat nominee is sign off on this, that is what they’ll do. I’ve heard that in most elections the taller candidate has won. With that being the case, we better hope Hillary gets the Democratic nomination:)
February 18th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
I feel like at least 1 debate ought to be within 10 days of the election. This seems a little odd.
February 18th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
This should help McCain as the Height Difference will not be there.
February 18th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Wow! So there is a “Commission on Presidential Debates”? Be still my heart.
Oh for the days of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglass. Where two candidates go toe-to-toe about substance with nary a moderator in sight.
It would likely be boring television, but it would be great political theatre.
February 18th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
So a third party candidate has to be on the ballot in all 50 states and poll at least 15%?
I thought it used to be they had to poll at 5%, that seems a little to stiff, i think if you can get on all 50 state ballots and get at least 5% in a majority of national polls, then you should be allowed a voice,IMO.
February 18th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
“So a third party candidate has to be on the ballot in all 50 states and poll at least 15%?”
No, only enough states to total 270 — which could be as few as 11, if they’re the right ones.
I don’t know about the percentage question. I agree 15% might be stiff, but I think the idea is to have the debate between the people who might actually win. If you’re below 15% in late September, you’re not going to make it.
February 19th, 2008 at 10:57 am
McCain should insist on seated formats for all debates.