The candidates will be seated, addressing the same questions. This is the first time this has been done in a presidential debate. We've been trying to get this done for a long time. It's been used extensively in other debates and I think it will loosen up the conversation. In separate interviews Wednesday with CNN, surrogates for Bush and Gore both had high hopes for the showdown ahead.
People seem to like it.
It allows for a very thoughtful exchange of ideas and substance, and that's exactly what Gov. Bush intends to engage in tonight. The candidates will meet for a third debate on October 17. That one, too, will have a different look, said Brown, executive director of the Commission on Presidential Debates. In that debate, citizens will be asking the questions. Bush surrogates said the GOP presidential nominee does not intend to raise questions during the debate about whether Gore shades the truth or exaggerates his role in events.