November is coming, Save Jerseyans.
But first, we’re all obliged to indulge one of America’s favorite fall traditions: presidential debates! And for the first time in many years, voters can look forward to a three-part prime time contest between two top-notch debaters.
Better start stocking up on popcorn now! The nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates released its schedule yesterday evening. In keeping with tradition, there will be three (3) presidential debates and one (1) vice presidential debate, all limited to 90-minutes. Some things, however, are changing this time around. For example? No more borish “opening statements.”
Other notable debate factoids? The first domestic policy debate is in Colorado; yes, it’s over two months away and the Dark Knight shooting is likely to be off the front page by then, but I’m still willing to bet the President will find a way to work a gun control question and at least try to distract everyone from his economic record.
The specific format details are as follows:
The debate will focus on domestic policy and be divided into six time segments of approximately 15 minutes each on topics to be selected by the moderator and announced several weeks before the debate.
The moderator will open each segment with a question, after which each candidate will have two minutes to respond. The moderator will use the balance of the time in the segment for a discussion of the topic.
Vice presidential debate (October 11, 2012, Centre College, Danville, KY)
The debate will cover both foreign and domestic topics and be divided into nine time segments of approximately 10 minutes each. The moderator will ask an opening question, after which each candidate will have two minutes to respond. The moderator will use the balance of the time in the segment for a discussion of the question.
Second presidential debate (October 16, 2012, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY)
The second presidential debate will take the form of a town meeting, in which citizens will ask questions of the candidates on foreign and domestic issues. Candidates each will have two minutes to respond, and an additional minute for the moderator to facilitate a discussion. The town meeting participants will be undecided voters selected by the Gallup Organization.
Third presidential debate (October 22, Lynn University, Boca Raton, FL)
The format for the debate will be identical to the first presidential debate and will focus on foreign policy.
All debates will be moderated by a single individual and will take place from 9:00-10:30 p.m. Eastern Time. There will be no opening statements and two-minute closing statements in all the debates. In all the debates except town meeting, the CPD recommends that the candidates be seated at a table with the moderator. Moderators will be selected and announced in August.
