Last debates before Iowa Caucuses could have 'seismic impact'

[DeepModem Mom]

Des Moines Register: Last debates could have 'seismic impact'
By THOMAS BEAUMONT • REGISTER STAFF WRITER • December 12, 2007

The Des Moines Register's presidential debates, set for today and Thursday, are the last meetings of the candidates before the leadoff Iowa caucuses and most meaningful of the dozens already held this year, campaign strategists agree.

Republicans, scheduled to debate today, will meet with the caucus campaign in flux as better-known candidates aim for former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, the surprise leader in Iowa with three weeks until caucus night. Democrats get their chance Thursday, with Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, New York Sen. Hillary Clinton and former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards trying to emerge from a tight, three-way battle for the lead in Iowa.

The traditionally final pre-caucus meetings of the candidates in Iowa are earlier than ever and are scheduled for midweek, unlike the weekend events of recent campaigns. The timing is the result of the early caucuses, set for Jan. 3, which were pushed up as other states have threatened Iowa's leadoff status. But more than 200 news organizations plan to cover the Register's debates, which will be nationally televised as well as carried live on the Internet, giving them wide reach.

"With just over 20 days left until the Iowa caucuses, the Des Moines Register debates could have a seismic impact on the race," said John Lapp, a Democratic strategist who ran Democrat Dick Gephardt's 2004 Iowa caucus campaign. "With so many undecideds still looking to make up their minds, a fatal flub or a shining performance could fundamentally change this race and significantly shape the outcome of the Iowa caucuses."

The GOP debate will be the 10th this year, while the Democrats' Thursday is the 16th....The 90-minute debates are scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. (CT) at Iowa Public Television's studios in Johnston and will be moderated by Carolyn Washburn, vice president and editor of The Des Moines Register....

http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071212/NEWS09/712120368

[babylonsister]

1. I think CSPAN-3 will also be airing them. nt

[babylonsister]

2. MSNBC will also be covering both debates. nt

[killbotfactory]

3. I bet the media has picked the most inflammatory bullshit they could think of

for this special occasion. Stuff like "If an illegal immigrant murdered your spouse, would you give them a driver's license?" perhaps.