Debates

Here's the formats for the debates:

The first debate on Sept. 26 at the University of Mississippi will focus on foreign policy and national security. The candidates will stand at podiums and the debate will include nine, nine-minute segments where each candidate will have two minutes to speak and then five minutes for debate. Jim Lehrer will moderate.

The second debate on Oct. 7 at Belmont University will be a town hall style forum where questions will come from the audience and on-line viewers. Each candidate will have two minutes to respond to questions, and it will not be topic-specific. Tom Brokaw will moderate.

The third debate on Oct. 15 at Hofstra University will focus on domestic and economic policy. The candidates will be seated at a table, and the question format will be the same as the first debate, with nine, nine-minute segments. Bob Schieffer will moderate.

All debates will begin at 9pm ET and last for 90 minutes. The lone vice presidential debate will take place Oct. 2 at Washington University. The format will de determined after the candidates are announced. Gwen Ifill will moderate.

A lot is riding on these debates. A Ford senior-moment could destroy McCain. I think three debates favors Obama. He's younger, sharper, and taller than McCain. The contrast will be there.

The first debate is certainly in Obama's favor with the long speeches. But what about the town-hall debate? Advantage McCain, unless Obama can get Bill Clinton to help coach him (haw!). Obama has difficultly connecting with people. Bill Clinton could do it--bring things down to the level of the ordinary working stiff. "What does it mean for me?" kind of thing.

On the other hand, can McCain really connect better? We'll have to see. If there's a gaffe, it'll override everything else. I tend to think the gaffe would come from McCain.