See Presidential Debates for a fascinating history.
The presidential debates 2012 are as follows:
Republican Primary Debates[edit]
- May 5 in Greenville, SC, at the Peace Center: Cain, Johnson, Paul, Pawlenty and Santorum
- Analysis: Insignificant without major contenders
- June 13 in Manchester, NH, at Saint Anselm College: Bachmann, Cain, Gingrich, Paul, Pawlenty, Romney, Santorum
- Winners: Romney by far, then Bachmann
- August 11, in Ames, Iowa, at Iowa State University: Bachmann, Cain, Gingrich, Huntsman, Paul, Pawlenty, Romney, Santorum
- Winners: Bachmann and Santorum
- Losers: Huntsman and Pawlenty
General Election Debates[edit]
- Romney and Obama
- Magness Arena, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado
- Focus on domestic policy. Moderated by Jim Lehrer
- Ryan and Biden
- Norton Center for the Arts, Centre College, Danville, Kentucky
- Focus on domestic and foreign policy. Moderated by Martha Raddatz
- Romney and Obama
- David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York
- Town hall style. Moderated by Candy Crowley
- Romney and Obama
- Wold Performing Arts Center, Lynn University, Boca Raton, Florida
- Focus on foreign policy. Moderated by Bob Schieffer.
Analysis[edit]
Advantages for Romney[edit]
- Romney reportedly "may be a little further ahead in his preparations." He has been practicing with Rob Portman. Obama, who has a reputation among his advisor for procrastination, has been "studying his rival’s positions and statements from the primary campaign." [1]
- Two debates will focus on domestic policy while another town hall debate which will likely focus on the terrible economy. While Obama will probably blame the economic crisis on George W. Bush, Romney will surely have the upper hand when it comes to economic issues.
Advantages for Obama[edit]
- Romney will face trouble from the moderators all of which are very liberal and will likely give "softball questions" to Obama.
- The last debate is focused on foreign policy. Despite losing thousands of heroic American lives due to mismanaged wars and ROEs which give the upper hand to terrorists, Obama claims it was his decision to take out Osama Bin Laden and is supported in this unlikely claim by the liberal media.
See also[edit]