CRITERIA from FOX News
The debate will be limited to those candidates who satisfy the following criteria:

1. Registered with the Federal Elections Commission a presidential exploratory committee or presidential campaign;

2. Met all U. S. constitutional requirements; and,

3. Garnered an average of at least one percent (1%) in the five most recently available national telephone polls that were conducted by major, nationally-recognized organizations that use standard methodological techniques.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- FOX News and Google announced today that they will present a presidential debate on September 22nd from 9:00-11:00 PM/ET in Orlando, Florida, in conjunction with the Republican Party of Florida.

In making the joint announcement, Michael Clemente, Senior Vice President of News Editorial, FOX News, said, “For access to news and information, it’s hard to imagine two more powerful brands than FOX News and Google, which is why we are proud to partner with a leader in global technology. The strength and reach of both should ensure a thorough and engaging debate that anyone can participate in.”

Moderated by Special Report anchor Bret Baier with panelists Chris Wallace, host of FOX News Sunday and Megyn Kelly, anchor of America Live, the debate will incorporate video and text questions submitted by the public on YouTube.com/FOXNews. Viewers will be able to vote on the questions they want the candidates to answer, and FOX News will use the votes to help choose which questions are posed to the candidates. In addition, FOX News and Google will present public data and Google search trends on air to help provide context to the questions and inform the debate throughout the evening.

Steve Grove, Head of News and Politics for YouTube, said, "We're delighted to give voters across the country this opportunity to ask their questions of the GOP candidates. Through this joint debate with FOX News we hope to bring more voices into the arena to create an informed and lively dialogue about the future of our country."

The FOX News/Google debate will be presented live from the Orange County Convention Center on FOX News Channel (FNC) and live-streamed on YouTube.com/FOXNews, in addition to FOX News Radio, FOX News Mobile, and FOXNews.com.

About FOX News

FOX News Channel (FNC) is a 24-hour all-encompassing news service dedicated to delivering breaking news as well as political and business news. A top five cable network, FNC has been the most watched news channel in the country for nearly ten years and according to Public Policy Polling, is the most trusted television news source in the country. Owned by News Corp., FNC is available in more than 90 million homes and dominates the cable news landscape, routinely notching the top ten programs in the genre.

About Google Inc.

Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google's targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.google.com.

FOX NewsIrena Briganti, 212-301-3608Dana Klinghoffer, 212-301-3534orGoogleAbbi Tatton, press@google.com

Tallahassee, FL – Republican Party of Florida Chairman Dave Bitner announced today that the RPOF will host the Presidency 5 Straw Poll from the 22nd through the 24th of September, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. The Presidency 5 Straw Poll is a critical test of grassroots support for Republican presidential candidates.
 
Additionally, RPOF is expanding the Presidency 5 Straw Poll to include a Republican presidential debate on Thursday, September 22nd. The Party will once again be partnering with FOX News to host the debate, which will give presidential candidates an opportunity to speak directly  to Floridians, as well as the nation.

“I am proud to announce the details of this important event,” said Chairman Bitner. “Presidency 5 will give the candidates an opportunity to bring their message directly to the people of Florida while allowing voters to participate in a poll that has historically predicted the eventual Republican nominee for President. We are also very excited to partner again with Fox News on another critical debate that will kick off the 2012 election season.”

The state of Florida is the fourth largest state in the nation and has been the most important swing state in the last 3 election cycles. Florida recently picked up 2 additional electoral votes brining its total to 29 and increasing the state’s importance in determining the next President of the Unites States. The Florida Presidency straw poll has consistently predicted the eventual Republican Presidential nominee since its inception in 1979.

FOX News Channel (FNC) is a 24-hour general news service covering breaking news as well as political, entertainment and business news. For five years, FNC has been the most watched cable news channel in the nation and currently presents 9 out of the top 10 programs in cable news. Owned by News Corp., FNC is available in more than 85 million homes.

Presidency 5 will be held on Thursday the 22nd, Friday the 23rd and Saturday the 24th of September at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. To request more information on the event times and activities, please visit www.presidency5.com

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