How many networks will drop the split screen in the next debate ?

[kentuck]

will C-SPAN continue to carry it in split screen? Will any of the networks that carried it before switch to single screen? If that happens, why? Will they get pressure from the WH to not show split screen and will they obey? Just a curious thought...

[Kolesar]

1. Comedy Central should cover the debate live

They could pick the funniest shots.

[Nimrod]

2. Either that or

They'll run it on a seven second delay, tape a few minutes of * looking regal beforehand, and splice it into the split-screen everytime he sticks his tongue out at Kerry.

:)

[Dogmudgeon]

3. All of them ... except CBS

--bkl

[AIJ Alom]

4. They must show split screen. I think we need to mobilize on that before

they shut it down.

[Cyrano]

5. FOX was providing the "pool" feed to everyone else. Bet they regret it .

[Awsi Dooger]

6. Camerawork in the town hall debate is COMPLETELY different

There is virtually no use of split screen given the nature of the debate, candidates on the move and interraction with the audience. Camera positions and angles are dramatically altered, with cameras front, side and behind the candidates to allow viewing of the audience members especially the one who asked the question. There is much more use of pulled back wide angle shots to allow both candidates in the picture at the same time.

Of course, this is based on the tapes I've saved of previous town hall debates. I didn't follow the negotiations and any contrived changes they may have made.

Also, I'm surprised no one has mentioned the inevitable advantage Kerry has in a town hall setting -- his height edge demonstrated for 90 minutes not merely one or two handshakes. Every time one candidate finishes a response the other one moves forward toward the audience for reply, not far away from the other candidate and no way for Bush to hide his stature gap.

[Poiuyt]

7. Maybe Bush can wear his platform shoes from the 70's

[rndmprsn]

8. which networks are in charge of the camera's for debates 2 and 3?

[high density]

14. NBC films the second debate

The network for the third debate hasn't been chosen yet.

http://www.debates.org/pages/news_040617.html

[pacalo]

9. Exactly.

Even if the format had been the same, it has always been C-Span's policy to use a split screen for debates. They feel that since the live audience is able to see both candidates & their reactions at the same time, the tv audience should be able to, also.

[Awsi Dooger]

11. Interesting; I've never taped the CSPAN version

I didn't know they used split screen even during a town hall format.

Remember, Bush will be schooled and scolded for his antics in debate #1 plus the self-evauation, so even if it were another podium debate I'm sure he would be much less entertaining. We can only hope Bush over corrects like Gore did in #2 last time, coming across as a total phony with all the politeness.

[pacalo]

13. I'm sorry -- I wasn't clear on the C-Span debate policy...

It was in reference to podium debates only. I don't anticipate their using a split screen for a townhall meeting; I think it would be highly unlikely, but who knows?

[JI7]

10. the rules say only one candidate can be standing during the debate

i think i remember the rules saying that there can only be one candidate who is standing during the debate. so one candidate has to always sit while the other answers . this was another thing they seemed to have come up with to avoid showing viewers the height differences.

[Awsi Dooger]

12. Thanks, very predictable, but Kerry can creatively cheat a little bit

Just take a few extra seconds to sit down when it's Bush's turn, likewise stand up early when Bush is obviously finished with a remark.

These peripheral issues pale to candidate performance, but you're potentially dealing with fractions of a pecent in many states and perhaps nationwide.

[elvisbear]

15. * will use a pair shoes like Elton for the Townhall Debates.

[cheshire]

16. Not one, It is too good for ratings.