Topics for first presidential debate announced
(CNN) - Half of the first presidential debate between President Barack Obama and Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney will be focused on the economy, the debate's moderator announced Wednesday.
The first three of the October 3 debate's six segments will focus on the economy, moderator Jim Lehrer said in a statement provided by the Commission on Presidential Debates.
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The other three segments will focus on health care, the role of government, and governing, according to the release.
Each segment is to be a 15 minute portion of the 90 minute program.
The statement also acknowledged that the topics could change "because of news developments."
The debate will be held at the University of Denver in Denver, Colorado. It will be followed by two other presidential debates, and a debate between the vice presidential candidates.
- CNN Chief Political Analyst Gloria Borger contributed to this report
Also see:
– Eastwood: If they were 'dumb enough to ask me…'
– In new tape, Romney casts doubt on peace in Israel
– Obama camp wastes no time highlighting Romney tapes
for Romney would that be the real economy or a Robme version of the economy?
Oh Yes! Healthcare. Let's see how Willard defends how he'll keep most of the things in Obamacare aftere he's said he'll repeal it.
Romney going to lose the debate he is out of touch with middle class.
Romney sent jobs to China and India.
Well at least Lehrer is somewhat neutral. If any moderators come from ABC, NBC, CBS, or CNN.......they will hand the answers to the questions to Obama, well in advance, so he will have an unfair advantage. That much, we can BANK on.
The Democratic Party, controls ALL of those media!
All I want to hear from Flip is "You'll be getting my last 5 years' worth of returns by next week" Unless he says that, anyone with a functioning brain should say no to this charlatan
ha ha ha haha
right out of the gate romney will have to lie and say he's gonna help the 47% he despises. May as well get it over with early.
Ryan/Romney have lied too many times. They won't be believed in the debates. They're practicing their lies now.
ha ha ha ha ha ha
Great! That leaves Obama with half a chance..
Can not wait to hear Romney defend his record on health care reform in MA, while blasting Obama and vowing to "repeal and replace" the ACA, which is based on Romney's model./ This guy is so boxed in and has flipped on every possible issue, that he has no where to go. And judging by recent events, the direction he is going is down. Goodbye Mittens. It should make for good comedy – I can not wait.
Gary Johnson 2012!
The "economy" debate does include the release of Willard's taxes correct? This does play a role into the economy, yet I don't see it mentioned. Are you planning to ask him that "little" question?
I also heard Willard is practicing real hard, knowing he's not real fond of 47% of Americans, he's working really hard to include them favorably in his speeches this time, although, I would advise him NOT to bother as we know a loser when we see one.
Obama Biden 2012........yea, stand up and shout..........
BAD NEWS FOR OBAMA!! At least it's 'half bad'. Maybe the 2nd will focus on the current condition of the Middle East.....
ECONOMY IS IN LIMBO BECAUSE OF "CONGRESS" THUGS. Did they pass Single JOBS LAWS? THEIR MOTTO IS OBAMA ONE TERM PRESIDENT, NAST ANIMALS. No ethics, no nation, no standard. Greedy idiots. Obama12. Our pride!!!
Has anyone listened to the comments/advice he gave to Iran on the tape? You will be astonished as top how this guy is still running for president and the media has not highlighted that part cos that is the most damaging aspect of the tape.
People keep talking about the 47% as if it's the only issue on there.
Rick McDaniel
Well at least Lehrer is somewhat neutral. If any moderators come from ABC, NBC, CBS, or CNN.......they will hand the answers to the questions to Obama, well in advance, so he will have an unfair advantage. That much, we can BANK on.
The Democratic Party, controls ALL of those media!
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So typical – admitting defeat before the event even takes place.
If Romney does not do well on the debate moderated by Lehrer – then Lehrer will be lynched as the main stream media too FACT
Go Independent – these two parties are a joke
23 million unemployed
1 in 6 living in poverty
16 trillion nation debt
8% unemployement
15 million added to food stamp program
6 trillion in new debt
HOW CAN OBAMA EVEN RUN FOR RE-ELECTION!!!! WAKE UP PEOPLE
Every topic has been a false GOP talking point. Mitt Romney is being given the rope he needs to bend the facts.
9/11 was Obama's plan!. Secret video will be leaked soon showing him exiting the plane right before it impacted into the towers.
9/11 was Obama's plan! It was planned from the day of his birth! Secret video will be leaked soon showing him exiting the plane right before it impacted into the towers
What really stinks is Obama is going to lie his sorry ass off and will not be called out by the debate moderator or the media.
How on earth can he defend his record? It's impossible.
Does anyone out there noticethat Romney doesn't even understand US Govt 101? Listen to him talk after the 47% issue and he says that he only needs 50.1% of the vote. The EC decides the president, not the popular vote
Let's have both candidates hooked up to lie detectors and see whose pen starts flying first and the more often. Also, a candidate's tax returns should be his ticket for admission to appear in the debate. Mitt, no tickie, no shirtie.
23 million unemployed
1 in 6 living in poverty
16 trillion nation debt
8% unemployement
15 million added to food stamp program
6 trillion in new debt
ALL CAUSED BY THE RECESSION THAT RESULTED FROM POLICIES ROMNEY WANTS TO RESURRECT! HOW CAN ANYONE CONSIDER VOTING FOR ROMNEY? WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!!!
We're fired up and ready and so are the "Fact Checkers". So make no accusation of lying unless you too know the facts. I'm just saying.
GOP: We suck at debating...hmmm...lessee....We'll claim that the other side was handed the questions in advance! Yeah...that'll work. What? We have the questions, too? no one needs to know that...