LAS VEGAS (KSNV MyNews3) -- While President Obama prepares to debate at Lake Las Vegas and Mitt Romney gears up in Denver, a former Nevadan shares his knowledge about the process.
Frank Fahrenkopf co-chairs the Commission on Presidential Debates.
The first presidential debate, set for Wednesday night, will look a lot like the first one-on-one in 2008. Each candidate will get his own podium, but this year candidates will spend 15 minutes on each question, half dealing with the economy.
“The president and the governor will have few moments to indicate what their position is on each of the particular issue,” Fahrenkopf said. “Then for each of the remaining 11 minutes of whatever is left in that minute pod, the moderator will be able to drill down.”
Fahrenkopf says they're trying to force candidates to move past sound bites and one-liners that catch headlines.
On Sunday, Obama began his debate boot camp in southern Nevada. On Wednesday both candidates will get a private tour of the debate stage to see where the cameras are positioned and check out other details.
