Debate rules forbid candidate from leaving "their zone" and no

[napi21]

moderator followup! I just heard this on MSNBC. The candidates each have a zone which they are not permitted to leave. No waling up to the other candidate, and no wandering into the audience! Brokaw is NOT permitted any followup questions either!

Gee, I thought they only did this to protect poor little Sarah, but I was wrong! They're scared of Obama too!

[begin_within]

1. Too bad because that would show how Obama can make a connection with a single voter,

and how awkward McCain can be. Hopefully Obama can still talk directly to the person who asked the question and still make that one-on-one connection, even from the other side of the room.

[iceman66]

14. I think Brokaw will be chosing and asking all the questions

This debate will be a "town hall" in appearance only.

[Democat]

2. Probably because McCain doesn't want a "black" getting too close to him!

Keep that "terrorist" away from me, Tom!

[BrainStorm]

6. Have you ever done any stage work?

Every stage movement is blocked to actors don't run into each other or cause awkward moments. This is just good stagecraft.

[napi21]

9. I don't think that's the reason. Even the guest on MSNBC who

reported this info said it was becasue they wanted to prevent either candidate from walking up to approach the person asking the question, to make a more personal contact like Clinton did, or prevent either candidate from entering the other candidate's "personal space".

There's also that height comparrison between McNuts & Obama. Campaigns ALWAYS try to hide things like that when there's a big diff. between the two.

[BrainStorm]

11. That's a lot of speculation on MSNBC's part. I've done a lot of stage work

and I can tell you that without blocking--especially if you have audience involvement--there can be problems.

[Shakespeare]

13. Nah; I think it's a reaction to the Gore/Bush town hall.

The one where Gore walked right up and got in Bush's face. I'm guessing they (and primarily McCain) don't want a reprise of that.

[Submariner]

3. Obama just needs to say, "Like Sarah, I say 'fuck the rules'

Let's have a real debate John, Now when you helped start this new depression with your Keating 5 antics, were you thinking you'd be running for president and get away with that?"

[BurtWorm]

4. How is Obama supposed to get McCain in a headlock then?

:wtf:

[SoonerPride]

5. If only McCain wore a shock collar, like those invisible dog fences.

Wander too far towards the audience and it is 250 volts of obedience training for you, Senator!

[JuniperLea]

7. If not answered, I hope some of the same questions are asked UNTIL they are answered!

Provided of course Brokaw is able to lob a hardball.

[endarkenment]

8. Obama is like 6 inches taller than Grumpy.

It would be a hoot to have him towering over the erratic little shithead.

[Alter Ego]

10. Their "zone"?

What's gonna happen if Obama or McCain oversteps their "zone" Is the ref gonna throw a flag?

"Offsides--McCain--Republican--2 question penalty--Senator Obama, the next question automatically goes to you."

[napi21]

12. I doubt it. the implication is that both candidates will abide by the

agreed upon rules. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

[msallied]

17. OVER THE LINE!!! Mark it a zero, Donnie. LOL

[jazzjunkysue]

15. I wish they'd keep George Bush in his zone: It's a little ranch in Texas.

[Drunken Irishman]

16. Good idea after what happened in the 2000 town hall between Gore & Bush.

Probably the most awkward moment I've seen in a debate.

[msallied]

19. Exactly what I was thinking.

That was a very awkward moment and I knew then that Gore had screwed himself with a lot of undecided voters.

[yodermon]

18. WATCH: Brokejaw will manage to slip in followups to Obama, but not McShame. n/t