Second Presidential Debate Warm-Up
I’ll be live-blogging the debate tonight. Stop back for updates.
There is already a live-cam of the press pool up and running over at C-SPAN’s Debate Hub. Two of the people there behind the scenes are Simon and Leslie. Cool people. Fantastic coverage. (UPDATE: They are now linking to this post.)
Given the rules of engagement for tonight’s debate it’s a wonder we bother watching. The Chicago Sun Times has some details behind Obama and McCain’s “memorandum of understanding” concerning the debates. Get this:
Under the deal, the moderator may not ask followups or make comments. The person who asks the question will not be allowed a follow-up either, and his or her microphone will be turned off after the question is read. A camera shot will only be shown of the person asking — not reacting.
That’s not a debate. It’s a series of insanely scripted, mini infomercials. The questions and moderator really don’t matter much. Each of the two candidates will launch into their own attempts to steer the conversation and deliver their message right from the start.
Obama will do his best to appear calm, knowledgeable (yes, in spite of Palin’s political pole-dance over the past month, most people prefer candidates who know things), pensive, and presidential.
McCain will try not to look like an erratic crazy man while emphasizing his opponents’ major character flaws. For example, did you know that Obama was a terrorist loving, flag burning, Muslim name having, socialist?
My prediction: It’s either boring as hell to watch or McCain goes way over the top and directly refers to Obama as one or all of the above descriptions. This will make Obama earn his keep tonight as he is forced to answer the questions while leaving time enough allotted time to backtrack and deflect McCain’s preceding Maverick-blows.
The New York Times addresses the issue more clearly right here.
Does anybody expect much from this?
Check back here for my live blogging post.
RHM
About the Author: Randall H. Miller is an American college educator/blogger. He is also a former U.S. Army officer (82nd Airborne) with a M.A. in Diplomacy (focusing on International Terrorism) and a B.A. in Criminal Justice. Use the form on the right to sign up and receive notifications of new content. The words and ideas expressed here are 100% his own and not those of his employers or affiliated organizations.
DJS | Oct 7, 2008 | Reply
Do I expect substance? No.
At this point in the race Barack is running out the clock and McCain is pretty much out of Hail mary’s.
DJS
Porsche Cars, Products and LifeStyle | Oct 7, 2008 | Reply
I’m not giving up on McCain yet. DJS, we need to talk off-line. Your support of Obama will come back and bite you from a business stand-point!!!
DJS | Oct 7, 2008 | Reply
Talk off line? Great! I moved away form Ma. so I wouldn’t have to endure anymore lectures from all self proclaimed superior intellects that reside within the 128 belt.
Besides, your retired from this industry and I am sure your still under a non-compete
.
DJS
Rebecca | Oct 7, 2008 | Reply
If he says ‘My Friends’ one more time…
Porsche Cars, Products and LifeStyle | Oct 7, 2008 | Reply
I think that Tom Brokaw is one of the few people in the world that can address the two presidential candidates as “guys”. I love it. He tried to take control of an already over-controlled “debate” (and I use the term losely) and Obama took it right back.