POLITICS: Bush and Kerry Prepare for First Debate, page 1

The Democratic and Republican nominees meet three times in 13 days, the first 90-minute forum beginning Thursday at 9 p.m. in Coral Gables, Florida. Their respective running mates, Sen. John Edwards and Vice President Dick Cheney, will debate on October 5 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Bush and Kerry, head-to-head for the first time.

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Most national polls show Bush sporting a job approval rating around 50 percent and clinging to a small, but not insurmountable lead. Five weeks before November 2, both candidates hope the debates boost their standing in one of the most contentious campaigns in decades.

"At their most influential, debates probably move public opinion only a few percentage points. But that can be critical," said University of Alabama political science professor David Lanoue. "This year is close to being the perfect storm for presidential debates having an effect."

"Something has to happen to break one guy loose," added Alan Schroeder, author of "Televised Presidential Debates: 40 Years of High-Risk TV" and a professor of journalism at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. "The only thing left, barring some major world event, is the debates."

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The presidential debates present both opportunity and peril for the two top candidates, with Sen. John Kerry hoping a strong performance spurs a decisive rally and President Bush aiming to seal his re-election.

Millions will see the debates on live television. American citizens will see raw exhibitions of candidates' character, communication ability and expertise under fire.

Finally, we get to see the candidates on a tight-rope.

"They are the most unscripted thing on the campaign trail, which isn't to say they're totally unscripted."

[edit on 27-9-2004 by Nerdling]