1. a) In addition to their stand on the issues, what factors matter in televised debates between candidates?
b) Give examples from the article of these factors helping/hurting candidates.

2. List the dates and places for this year's debates.

3. a) Describe the format for the debates.
b) What is a town hall format?

4. List the topic(s) for each debate.

5. Name the moderators for each debate.

6. a) How are the debate moderators chosen?
b) Why are these particular moderators a logical choice, according to Alan Schroeder, journalism professor at Northeastern University?

7. What will each candidate attempt to do through the debates?

8. What should voters pay attention to during the debates, according to Mr. Schroeder and Rosanna Perotti of Hofstra University?

9. Which candidate do you think did a better job in the first debate?  Explain your answer.
(If you did not watch the first debate, take some time in the next few days to do so.  Watch at cspan.org.)

NOTE: The second debate is Thursday, Oct. 2, at 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. (This is the only vice presidential debate.)