Debate season opens in '08 presidential race

Video clips, passed around the Web, could amplify the impact on the candidates.

By Linda Feldmann | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor

from the May 1, 2007 edition

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Washington - For political junkies, the season has begun: Between now and January, barely a week or two will go by without a presidential debate. The Democrats have already staged their first, and at least 16 more are in the offing. Republican debate season will make its debut this Thursday, with so many candidates on stage (10) they'll need an extra-wide lens to capture them all. After that, expect at least 12 more forums. And perhaps even another GOP candidate or two joining the crowd on stage.

Chances are, most voters are not even aware that debates have started, let alone planning to tune in. But in a rare presidential cycle in which both parties have large, wide-open primary fields, these regular opportunities for voters to eyeball their choices and draw conclusions may expand the public's engagement in the process.

In addition, in the era of YouTube, the influence of these forums has the potential to go far beyond the real-time viewership. Debates are inherently risky affairs, and a gaffe will have an infinite shelf life on video-sharing outlets. A major candidate could doom his or her chances with an ill-considered comment or even something small like a glance or a gesture.

Chance for lesser-known candidates

But especially in the early going, when most candidates are still just trying to introduce themselves to the public, these events also represent a chance for lower-tier hopefuls to have a breakthrough moment and start some buzz.

"I think it's important to get candidates side by side," said Sen. Sam Brownback (R) of Kansas, a presidential candidate who has struggled to gain traction, speaking at a Monitor breakfast last week. "I don't think you make the candidacy or lose it over a debate or two, [but] I think they're very helpful to have."

For the front-runners for the party nominations, the clear mantra is to play it safe. At last week's 90-minute Democratic debate in Orangeburg, S.C., the candidates regularly veered away from opportunities to bash one another and leading Republican candidates, instead focusing on their common adversary (President Bush) and the top issue of day (Iraq).

As time goes on, and the shape of the field appears to be more solidified, candidates may become more aggressive with one another. But for now, the large number of candidates and the time limits on responses allow the candidates to make it through a forum without much time to go beyond sound bites.

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