I hope Kerry is studying Clinton's town hall debates.

[Guaranteed]

Clinton was the MASTER in that forum.

Anyway, I don't think that people should be expecting fireworks from either side during this debate. It's not that kind of gig.

Townhall debates are about making a connection with the people, showing them you care. It's not about tearing your opponent's head off (and it's a shame for Bush that he seems to be in a position where he has to try to do that). Kerry shouldn't be concentrating on Bush himself (although he has to talk about Bush's record a good amount) during this debate. He has to show his human side.

So, I'm just saying don't be expecting some kind of knock-down drag-out during this thing. In this debate, the candidates will be judged on their human characteristics.

[Blue_Roses]

1. I agree

I don't have my hopes up for anything spectacular, in fact, I know Bush will come ready this time.

[sandersadu]

2. Town Hall

The good thing about a Town Hall is that Bush can't just attack Kerry. He has to actually answer voters' questions, and at least pretend he cares about them!

A win for Kerry.

[fugop]

3. On connecting to people ...

Doesn't it seem that it would be harder to connect with people when all you're doing is spewing nasty, vile comments - excuse me, zingers - about the other guy? Unless you're a rabid supporter of said spewer. And these are supposed to be soft supporters.

Of course, "supposed to be" could be the key phrase, I imagine ...

[secular_warrior]

4. Kerry just needs to be himself

I really hope he doesn't try to be like Clinton. Only Clinton could pull off that lip biting, "I feel your pain" type of connection. If Kerry did that it would look phony. He needs to just be himself, like he was in the Dem town hall debate.

[Gloria]

5. Tom Oliphant said it's hard for either candidate to "win" in this format..

But it still can be easy to make a fool of yourself.

I'm hoping Bush does just that. Oliphant said the questions will be all over the place, which might throw Bush off track.

Kerry won't have a problem with that, in my estimation. But I guess it makes it harder to really nail Bush...

Also, Bush with people around him is "humanized." Alone with a podium, he doesn't have the same impression and it's a harder thing for him. Which is why I'm glad the third debate is back to the formal style...

[emulatorloo]

6. Let Kerry be Kerry - he is great at town hall format

and he really connects w people in that format.