Question: What is the PHYSICAL setting for tonight's debate?

[Hepburn]

Townhall meeting format, right? But are the candidates seated or do they get to walk around the platform like is usually done in a townhall meeting?

I am wondering this because if they can walk around the platform, the height difference between Obama and McCain is going to be quite noticable. Also: Obama moves like an athlete and McCain moves like a sick, eldery old man.

So...townhall is sooooooo good for McCain? IMO, not if the physical comparison between Obama and McCain are going to be highlighted by the setting.

Anyone else old enough to have watched the Kennedy - Nixon debate? Nixon looked like shit on TV. Wore a light colored suit, had jowls and one hell of a 5 o'clock shadow. Polls of those watching on TV gave the debate win to Kennedy who just looked terrific on the tube. Those listening to the radio? Gave the win to Nixon.

IMO, physical constrasts matter and I am hoping for a setting wherein Obama's much greater and better physical presence comes across.

Yeah, I know Obama's answers will be better ~~ but it does not hurt to have other advantages, too!

:hi:

[LiberalAndProud]

1. I have read here on DU that they will begin seated, but

will be free to move around the floor.

[Hepburn]

5. Thanks for the info....

...I had no clue on the set-up...but I figured that McCain would do something to make sure his 5'7" was not up against Obama's 6'2" frame.

However, I am wondering if there are any chances for them to get up and mill about the stage. Isn't that how the McCain townhall meetings usually come off? Maybe having to be seated will make McCain not feel like he really is at a townhall.

Change one factor, IMO, and that could throw him off. Here's hoping! :hi:

[Starbucks Anarchist]

2. Seated six feet apart according to this article:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/bloomberg/20081007/pl_bloomberg/aeqhidejpots

[jefferson_dem]

3. They will have stools but can meander around, within a confined area.

They cannot overstep some determined boundary. I'm not sure if they will both be in the same area of in separate ones. I would love for Barack to offer viewers the terrific contrast between his own commanding and composed presense and the shrivelled up geezer-like non-presense of McWalkingCane...without appearing confrontational like Gore did in 2000.

[Bucky]

4. Cage match - Australian rules - link chains may be used as boxing gloves or whips

[Hepburn]

6. ...latte spew....!!!!

:rofl:

To others with the info ~~ thank you.

I am hoping that Obama can physically dominate the area. That to me would and could throw McCain off.

:hi:

[CoffeeCat]

7. Here's the chairs that they will be sitting in tonight!

McCain's debate chair:




Obama's debate chair: