McCain-Obama Prep for Round Two
CBNNews.com
October 7, 2008
CBNNews.com - Presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama will square off for a second time Tuesday, in a town hall meeting style debate just four weeks before Election Day.
After a weekend of ramped-up attacks from both sides, the debate could prove to be more firey than the last. But analysts warn the candidates may want to keep their gloves on.
This time, an audience of uncommitted voters will have a turn to ask them questions.
"If either of the candidates tries to go negative when you're with an audience of ordinary voters, they don't like it," CNN political analyst Bill Schneider said.
"We've heard them sometimes get very upset when the candidates start attacking each other, so that's going to be hard to do in a town hall format," he added.
Former McCain campaign manager Terry Nelson says the senator will have no problem staying on track.
"McCain has done so many of these over the years that it's probably going to be the best kind of forum he is going to be in," he said. "It's a great opportunity for him and the campaign."
Monday in North Carolina, Obama charged that, though his opponent was trying to smear his campaign, he would keep his focus on the economy.
"I've got news for the McCain campaign: the American people are losing right now," he said. "They're losing their jobs. They're losing their health care. They're losing their homes. They're losing their savings. I cannot imagine anything more important to talk about."
Tuesday's battle will be at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. NBC News' Tom Brokaw will moderate the event.
The town hall set up will have its limits.
Once an audience member asks a question, their mic will be turned off and the camera turn back to the stage.
Neither the audience nor the moderator will be allowed to follow up once a question has been asked.
The senators will have chairs and can also walk around, but only within marked off areas on the stage.
To get ready for the debate, McCain spent the weekend practicing in Arizona. Obama is preparing in Asheville, N.C.
Sources: Associated Press, Washington Post, CNN
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