Danville, Kentucky to host the only vice-presidential debate

Kentucky will host the only vice-presidential debate on Thursday.  Martha Raddatz, ABC News Chief Foreign News Correspondent, will moderate the 90 minute debate.  As I declared in my blog post, Denver, Colorado to host first debate, the debates would be crucial to determining the victor of this presidential election.  Mitt Romney’s chances of winning were quickly diminishing; thus it was crucial he “win” the first debate.  The debate saw Big Bird overshadow President Obama and Romney unanimously be declared “victor” with his strong, assertive debate.  Polls now maintain an even match.

Generally, vice-presidential debates don’t tilt the outcomes of elections.  Now I don’t think this year will be any different.  However, I do think that this debate will be more vital to each campaign than ever in political history.  Ryan must continue to maintain the momentum gained from the debate.  Obama and Biden must rebound with an admirably, adequate performance. 

The topics of the debate will vary on both domestic and foreign policy.  The debate will be divided into 9 ten-minute segments.  The moderator will ask an opening question, after which each candidate will have two minutes to respond. The moderator will use the remainder of the time in the segment for a discussion of the question.  As notably recognized in Jim Lehrer’s moderator performance, it will be the candidate’s responsibility to correct statements they deem “inaccurate” from their opponent.  The moderator simply will direct the line of questioning and will attempt to maintain the debates in the parameters agreed upon by the election commission. 

Now it could be easy for me to emphatically declare a Ryan “victory.”  Biden certainly has a penchant for gaffes.  I don’t have enough time to list them all.  I will however not underestimate the vice-president.  He surprised many critics when he seemingly delivered a better speech at the DNC than the president.  Biden will have been sequestered for six days prior to the debate to prep for his opponent.  As I type these words the vice-president is feverishly reading Ryan’s books and legislative bills. 

I think VP Biden will have a better debate than many conservatives expect.  I don’t think this will be a landslide Ryan “victory.”  Subsequently, I don’t think it will have much effect on the polls.  I do believe that it will have an effect on the “undecided voters” who still don’t know much about the Wisconsin Congressman.  Paul Ryan was an unknown to many who don’t regularly follow politics. 

The debate will be broadcasted on most local and cable news channels on Thursday at 8 pm.  Get your popcorn ready because the debate certainly should be a feisty one. 

Will you be watching the debate?

 

Email: realtalkdebate2012@gmail.com

Twitter: @adrakontaidis & @talkrealdebate

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