Town Hall Format Presents Different Dynamic

Undecided Voters Pose Questions to Obama and Romney

Tues., Oct. 16, 2012 at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY          
Transcript  Romney/Republicans | Obama/Democrats   |   Interest Groups   |   Front Pages   |   [Hofstra University]



Entering this debate the major question was whether President Obama would be able to rebound after his flat performance in the first presidential debate. 

Obama did turn in a credible performance.  He and Romney were not tethered to podiums or a table and they vigorously engaged each other.  It was fascinating to watch the candidates' use of space on the stage. 

Nielsen reported that 65.6 million viewers watched the debate (+).


Moderator:
Candy Crowley, Chief Political Correspondent, CNN and Anchor, CNN’s State of the Union

Format: "The second presidential debate will take the form of a town meeting, in which citizens will ask questions of the candidates on foreign and domestic issues. Candidates each will have two minutes to respond, and an additional minute for the moderator to facilitate a discussion. The town meeting participants will be undecided voters selected by the Gallup Organization."