What do you think about the debate format for tonight?

[Chichiri]

For those who don't know, the debate format for tonight's debate is way different from previous debates (they're using it again for the third debate, and possibly for the VP debate unless that's been changed?). Basically the entire debate will consist of ten-minute segments, where the moderator poses an issue (1 min), the candidates make statements responding to the issue for two minutes each, and then the three of them just chew the fat for the remaining five minutes. What do you think about it, and which candidate, if any, do you think it will favor?

[Matariki]

1. Not sure it won't end up like right wing 'news'

where whoever talks over others the loudest and longest 'wins'. Wonder how that will be regulated?

[Chichiri]

2. Jim Lehrer is the moderator.

He's decent.

[Chichiri]

3. Shameless bump -- seriously, I want to know what you guys think

eom

[MorningGlow]

4. I like it a lot

I find the old format, of the candidates essentially just talking "at" the moderator and the audience, amounts to nothing more than a stump speech, and the opportunity to challenge the opponent is weak (and, dare I say, way too polite). I have always wanted to see them talk TO and WITH each other.

And yes, this format will enable Obama to give McLame an even more resounding ass-kicking.

[Spike89]

5. I Like it

Hopefully there will be substance! I chose neutral in who it favors, because it really sounds like a fair playing field. On a fair playing field Obama should dominate because he's right on so much more than Gramps. For those more concerned about appearances and such, I think any debate format favors Obama, he looks more competent.