Presidential debates can make or break a candidates ability to win a general election. A gaffe or misstatement can swing voters opinions and cost a candidate the election. Also, a change in position or ignorance about a topic can often impact the election. This year will be no different.
With the addition of Congressman Paul Ryan into the mix. Attention to a showdown between Vice-Presidential candidates Ryan Paul and Joe Biden is building. Recent gaffes and controversial statements by Joe Biden bring into question his ability to effectively debate versus a well-spoken, nimble policy wonk as Congressman Paul Ryan. Yes, the primary attention will be on the Romney-Obama debates, yet a major blunder by Joe Biden could blow it for the Dems on November 6.
The Presidential Debate Commission has announced that both campaigns have agreed to terms, moderators and schedule for the Presidential and Vice-Presidential debates. Representatives from the Obama campaign and Romney campaign met with the bipartisan debate commission to set logistics and schedule. Each debate will be one and a half hour in length. Here is a listing of the debate date, moderators and location:
Presidential Debate - Wednesday, October 3 at 9:00pm EDT
Moderator: PBS' Jim Lehrer Location: University of Denver - Denver, Colorado
Vice-Presidential Debate - Thursday, October 11 at 9:00pm EDT
Moderator: ABC's Martha Raddatz Location: Centre College - Danville, Kentucky
Presidential Town Hall Format Debate, Tuesday, October 16 at 9:00pm EDT
Moderator: CNN's Candy Crowley Location: Hofstra Unitversity - Hempstead, NY
Final Presidential Debate - Monday, October 22 at 9:00pm EDT
Moderator: CBS' Bob Schieffer Location: Lynn University - Boca Raton, Florida
For reference, here's the link for the Commission on Presidential Debates>>> http://www.debates.org/
A side note. Notice how the most viewed news network in America is not represented as moderator. Speaking of Fox News Network. Remember how well the likes of Fox's Brett Baier, Britt Hume or Megyn Kelly have performed very well in this year's Republican Primary debates or in previous Presidential debates? It's a curious absence. You have to wonder what the Obama campaign pulled to eliminate Fox from the moderator's chair.
Regardless, check your calendar, circle these dates and tune in for the grand stage of political do or die.
