By George Anderson

Tonight at 9:00 p.m. EST., President George W. Bush and his opponent, Sen. John Kerry of Mass. will seek to make their best case for their candidacy in the first of three nationally televised debates.

The first debate, which is being held on the campus of the University of Miami, will focus on foreign policy issues. It is expected to attract 50 million television viewers.

Critics contend that tonight’s event will hardly be a debate at all. The Arizona Republic reports some believe the debates will amount to little more than “parallel press conferences.”

The rules for the debate, insisted on by the Bush campaign and agreed to by Kerry’s camp, will give each candidate an opportunity to give a scripted speech on a foreign affairs topic followed by a scripted rebuttal. The President and Sen. Kerry will not be allowed to pose questions to one another during the debate.

The second debate is scheduled for Oct. 8 in St. Louis.

Moderator’s Comment: What retail or business related issues do you think are getting too little attention in this election and what would you ask the
candidates about it, given the chance? –
George Anderson – Moderator

• The stage is set – The Arizona Republic
• Bush And Kerry To Square Off Thursday In Strictly Formatted Debate – MTV.com