An audible, bored sigh or a glance at a watch has the power to decide the outcome of a presidential election. Debates have often fostered unscripted moments that have defined elections-in 1976, Gerald Ford denied the influence of Soviet Russia in eastern Europe; in 1988, Michael Dukakis promptly ended his political career with an awkward response to a question about the hypothetical murder and rape of his wife.
However, a 32-page debate agreement has sought to eliminate unscripted elements from an otherwise unpredictable debate tonight. The agreement calls for fixed camera positions, so as to only show a candidate when he is speaking; a system of lights to blink when a candidate goes over the time limit; and the elimination of questions directly posed to the opposing candidate.
Both candidates have been undergoing training in anticipation for the debates, which includes debating under the conditions agreed on for the three debates, debating against a surrogate candidate and studying videos of previous debates.
\[John] Kerry is studying up on the issues and making sure he is up to date with all the facts and figures,"" George Twigg, Wisconsin spokesperson for the Kerry Campaign, said. ""We are studying videos of Bush's performances in debates past to get an idea of the things Bush is likely to say and do during the debate.""
Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry is attempting to circumvent the problems that led to the solid defeats of Al Gore in 2000 and Democratic Texas Gov. Ann Richards in 1994 by Bush.
""Bush is very direct and speaks in very simple sentences,"" said Stephen Lucas, a UW-Madison communications professor. ""He is very effective in staying on message. There are two or three or four points that he is going to want to make and will constantly make those.""
Bush's campaign has done a wonderful job of communicating his message, according to UW-Madison political science Professor Charles Franklin. However, Kerry's campaign has faltered in this aspect.
""The problem with Kerry is he doesn't have as clear as an image as Bush a month away from the election,"" Lucas said. ""The debate is his last chance to have a major impact on his campaign.""
Kerry has spent the last week in Spring Green, Wis., practicing for the debate and attempting to avoid making the same mistakes Al Gore did in 2000. Twigg said Kerry has been making sure his message is as clear as possible.
""Bush is somebody who has won every debate he has been in in public life. We are not going to underestimate George Bush,"" he said.
With increased preparation, and now the removal of many elements that resulted in a campaign-changing action or comment, debates have evolved into a less sporadic public speaking forum.
""These aren't really debates. They are press conferences,"" Lucas said.
