Articles

The First Debate Could Be Decisive

September 24, 2008

Presidential debates are important — and the first debate is the most important of all, establishing an arc of opinion that persists unless jarred loose by big mistakes or dramatic events.

So whether this year's first presidential debate between Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain is Friday night or postponed a few days, it may be the fall's most critical event. In the nine first debates since 1960, the perceived winner of the debate averaged a 4.2 point net swing in the Gallup poll.

Mr. Obama fought hard to have the first clash devoted to foreign policy and the last on the economy. It may be smart to end the series on his strongest turf. But that means the debates start on ground where Mr. McCain is more comfortable, having a sizable poll lead on who'd be a better commander in chief.

FULL ARTICLE: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122230655620873931.html
Related Article

35ae93a772b68305f086e0837473558a
March 28, 2024 |
Article
The news isn’t good for Chuck Schumer and his fight to keep the Democratic Senate majority in November. ...
E59d02f1118e6217c3e45e4ec62447a8
March 21, 2024 |
Article
America is home to 336 million people across 50 states and the District of Columbia. ...
F20af5abac4f8951279f65a2e0feecb4
March 14, 2024 |
Article
America’s octogenarian president delivered a 67-minute State of the Union address last week. ...
A8da855700a7ef77cbe58aeb51b8a755
March 07, 2024 |
Article
Super Tuesday showed that Donald Trump will be the Republican presidential nominee and still dominates the GOP.  ...
Button karlsbooks
Button readinglist
Button nextapperance