I find it interesting that the US forces its presidential candidates into making mistakes in public that are then highlighted a million times to their own detriment.

We have this in the UK, but not quite as much. We certainly dont have televised debates quite so much in the public fora.

Out of interest what do you hope to see when you watch the televised debates from your candidates?

Are you hoping for a gaffe?

Do you not think that because of the wise and wonderful people that back these candidates up, that they will just give the popular centrist line?

What does the VP televised debate give to the campaign.

Could I just ask that no politics are brought in here (i.e. Dem-bashing or Rep-ripping)
Im interested in the US people's opinion on this.
Thanks

The purpose of a VP debate could be interperted in two ways.

First to show the wisdom of the Presidential candiate in selecting them. (That is open for interpertation. Use to be the party selected them with the blessing of the candidate.)

Second would be to show how the two would work together. And in case the VP would need to take over to offer a sense of stability.

Since I usually know most of where the candidates stand, I'm usually looking to see how they handle the questions, their command of the details of subjects, and how they carry themselves during. I really am not hoping for a gaffe from either side.

Belushi, most Americans fool themselves into believing they are going to see some great revelation in the debates. Personally I like to see how calm they are and their body language. Body language speaks words that people don't realize they are saying.

The VP debate is usually not as important but in this case with McCain being as old as he is this VP race is much more important. The VP choices made by the candidates usually shows their preparedness in case something should happen to them and they cannot lead anymore.

good post and so insightful